Interruptores piezoeléctricos frente a capacitivos: ¿en qué se diferencian?
Los interruptores están presentes en casi todos los dispositivos electrónicos. Sin embargo, mientras que algunos son mecánicos, otros funcionan por tacto. Dos de los tipos más comunes de interruptores táctiles son los piezoeléctricos y los capacitivos. A diferencia de sus homólogos mecánicos, no cuentan con piezas móviles. Al igual que todos los interruptores táctiles, los piezoeléctricos y los capacitivos abren o cierran un circuito en respuesta al contacto físico con un dedo u otro objeto.
What Is a Piezo Switch?
A Interruptor piezoeléctrico is a type of switch that leverages the properties of a piezoelectric material to change the orientation of a circuit. Piezoelectric materials are those that store an electrical charge when exposed to pressure. When certain materials are exposed to pressure, such as the pressure of a finger, they will store an electrical charge. These materials are known as piezoelectric materials, and they are used in the construction of piezo switches as well as piezo touchscreens.
¿Qué es un interruptor capacitivo?
A Interruptor capacitivo, on the other hand, is a type of switch that leverages capacitive technology to change the orientation of a circuit. Capacitive technology refers to the use of a uniform electrostatic field to detect touches. Capacitive switches will create a uniform electrostatic field while simultaneously measuring it for changes. If you touch a key on a capacitive switch with a bare finger or any conductive object, the electrostatic field will change. The capacitive switch will then respond by opening or closing the circuit.
Differences Between Piezo and Capacitive Switches
Piezo and capacitive are both touch-based switches. They are designed to open or close a circuit. The way in which they operate, though, varies. Piezo switches are made of a piezoelectric material. When you press a key on a piezoelectric switch, it will store an electric charge while opening or closing the circuit.
Capacitive switches aren’t made of a piezoelectric material. You can find them in different materials. Some of them are made of glass, whereas others are made of a transparent polymer. Regardless, capacitive switches don’t contain any piezoelectric materials in their construction. They are made of traditional materials, such as glass or plastic, that feature conductive traces.
When turned on, capacitive switches will emit a uniform electrostatic field. They’ll constantly measure this electrostatic field to determine when to open or close the circuit. Pressing a key with a bare finger will absorb some of the electrostatic field’s charge. As a result, the capacitive switch will respond by opening or closing the circuit.
