Design
Capacitive Switch Design Deployed by Molex In High-End Washing Machines
Molex has partnered with a multinational manufacturer of major appliances to develop capacitive touchpad panels for two high-end Class-A energy saving washing machines. Molex capacitive switches and panels use capacitive-field-sensing technology to enable user interfaces with no moving parts in a range of medical, industrial, consumer and home appliance product applications.
“CThe capacitive switch panel designs incorporate solid-state circuitry in a robust interface that is highly resistant to multiple key presses, water, dirt, contaminants and EMI. Molex capacitive overlays and panels allow easy appliance cleaning and are available in a variety of cosmetic options, including in-mould decoration, glass or virtually any non-conductive material.
Both washing machine models feature multiple wash cycles, requiring numerous tightly spaced capacitive key sensors and icons. A single 44-pin microcontroller handles all panel functionality. Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter communication for sensor reporting and lighting control ensures consistent responsiveness and panel lighting levels in the user-controlled bright and dim modes. The power button has been integrated into the Molex capacitive panels to provide additional power savings when the appliance is not in use; a dead front appearance hides the icons until the power button is activated.
Key Features: Molex Capacitive Interface Panel Model A
• IMD with a curved front surface embellishment
• Enhanced 17 user touchpad panel keys, plus touch sensing wheel input with 16 user selections
• Attractive custom LED lighted display with 13 digits and 29 icons
• Lighting and capacitive sensing from rear of IMD bezel, with 42 additional backlights implemented via light guides and side-fire LEDs
• Bright and dim mode for every lighting element
Key Features: Molex Capacitive Interface Panel Model B
• Tempered glass panel with second surface printing provides a mirror-like touchpad appearance
• Appealing 16 user touchpad panel keys, plus touch sensing wheel input with 10 user selections
• Attractive custom LED display with 16 digits and 17 icons
• Lighting and capacitive sensing from rear of the glass, with 31 additional backlights implemented via light guides and side-fire LEDs
• Convenient fading feature to achieve gradual brightness changes
“Consumers trust leading brand appliances and count on the reputation and quality of high-end products. As a design-to-launch partner, Molex leveraged our global network to deliver innovative and cost-effective panel designs and options that matched our customer’s creative concepts, timeline and budget,” adds Fulton.