PushGate® - Configuration
Overview | Configuration | Technical Specifications
In addition to supporting the basic characteristics provided by conventional switches, Pushgate offers a whole range of possible specific benefits and configurations. GGI International offers you a wide range of configurations:
- Possible configurations and characteristics using a dome-type keypad or with Pushgate:
- Open circuit by default
- Flexible polyester circuit, FLEX from Kapton or PCB
- Embossing of the graphic keys
- Shielding of the membrane keypad
- Backlighting (LED, optical fibre, EL bulb)
- Improved sealing
- Polyester or silicone graphic overlay
- Interchangeable legends
- Integration of LCD screen and various electronic parts
- Configurations specific to the membrane keypad using Pushgate technology:
- Open circuit or closed by default:
- Open circuit by default: Pushgate technology allows a keypad design where the circuit will be open by default. This is the standard configuration, where the armature is retained under the magnetic layer away from the circuit. The operator has to activate the key to close the circuit.
- Closed circuit by default: By printing the circuit under the magnetized layer, it is possible to get a keypad where the circuit will be closed by default. Thus, the armature will be in permanent contact with the circuit. The circuit will be open only when the key is activated and the armature is away from the magnet and, consequently, from the circuit.
- Open / closed circuit by default: A key can assigned to a double function, where the corresponding circuit will be closed and open by default. To do so, a circuit will be printed above the armature and another underneath the armature. When activating the key, the circuit which was closed by default will become open and the circuit which was open by default will become closed.
- Typical applications:
- Provides a double function for each key
- Prevents accidental double contacts
- Provides actuation feedback
Circuit with two activation poles: With this type of circuit, each key will be able to support two functions. Each armature is in contact with three poles and not only two. One of the poles is a common lead between the various functions and the two other poles are assigned independent functions. The interface microprocessor where our membrane keypad is used must then be programmed in order to recognize the functions and their actuation sequence.
- Typical applications:
- Actuation feedback and confirmation for the function
- Movement control
- Simultaneous actuation of a LED and key
- Double voltage key
- Typical applications:
LED window placed at the centre of the key: The use of a bored armature makes it possible to place a LED directly under the key, in its centre. A 0805-type LED will then be used directly under the key. This type of application makes it possible to assign a LED window to keys when there is no space to do it around the key. In addition to saving in real estate, the LED is also protected by the armature. Constraints of a graphic nature can also drive the use of this type of bored armature configuration.
Large surface key: When a very large graphic key must be included on a membrane keypad, we usually choose to go with a non-tactile configuration for this type of key. With an activation zone covering 50 x 50 mm (2" x 2"), the Large Key PushGate allows us to offer new innovative flat panel designs, where it was not possible before.
Thanks to the use of Duraswitch and Pushgate technologies, we can now activate very large keys by incorporating an activator in each key using the Large Key PushGate technology.- Benefits and applications:
- Up to a 2" x 2" key
- Activation with tactile feedback anywhere on the surface of the key
- Uniform tactile effect on the complete surface of the key
- Up to 20 million actuations without degradation of the tactile effect
- Can be used as replacement for mechanical buttons and push buttons
- Compatible with the integration of many other components
- Typical thickness of a Large Key PushGate membrane keypad: 0.165"
- Benefits and applications:
Anti-vandalism solution: The High-Impact PushGate technology is the perfect solution for keypads which are subject to vandalism. The High-Impact PushGate was designed in order to resist the daily attacks resulting from an improper use of the membrane keys. Its construction comprises a standard Pushgate covered with a rubber film in order to prevent damage to the keys and early deterioration of the membrane keypad.
- Benefits and applications:
- The entire surface of the membrane keypad can be protected
No negative effect on the tactile feedback of the Pushgate key- Uniform tactile effect on the complete surface of the key
- Compatible with the integration of many other components
- Compatible with the use of a removable graphic overlay
- Compatible with exterior applications requiring increased sealing
- Ideal when the operator is prone to activate the key using a pencil, a car key or any other object which could damage the keys and the membrane keypad
- Possibility of using the protection layer as activator for large surface keys. The High-Impact PushGate then works as a Large Key PushGate also
- Typical thickness of a High-Impact PushGate membrane keypad: 0.160"
- Benefits and applications:
- Interchangeable graphic overlay: The magnetism of the magnetized layer being used to retain the Pushgate armature in place can also play a double function. By placing a thin layer of magnetic stainless steel under the graphic overlay, we can benefit from the magnetic properties of the magnet in order to keep the keypad graphic overlay in place without having to resort to an adhesive. In this way, a generic membrane keypad can be used with a variety of graphic overlays.
- Benefits and applications:
- Helps reduce the number of complete keypads in stock, by using only one generic keypad for various graphic overlays
- Easy and non-destructive graphic overlay installation and change
- Typical use in cases where the same membrane keypad exists in several different languages
- Typical use in cases where the same membrane keypad is used for varied customers
- This type of application must be used only in situations where vandalism is not a problem
- Can also be used in applications where the enclosure in which the membrane keypad is installed is used to seal and protect the graphic overlay against accidental or intentional removal of the graphic overlay.
- Benefits and applications:
- Extreme environments: The use of Pushgate switches is also indicated for the harshest environments. When the configuration allows it, using Pushgates is possible under extreme conditions of temperature and atmospheric pressure.
- Benefits and applications:
- Operating temperature: from -54 °C to +105 °C
- Pressure variations: ± 5 lb/in²
- Resistant to extreme humidity.
- Ideal for military, aeronautical, aerospace, mining applications
- Minimal thickness of the membrane keypad having a 0.008" graphic overlay = 0.095"
- Benefits and applications:
- Open circuit or closed by default:
The GGI International team will be able to give you more information regarding the possibility of integrating Pushgate options into your next user interface assembly project. Our engineers can evaluate all your keypad related projects and are able to offer you the best configuration possible in order to provide you with the highest quality product at a competitive cost.