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The user interface is one of the key elements of any electronic device. Across many industries, traditional mechanical buttons are increasingly being replaced by touch-based solutions. This shift is driven not only by aesthetics, but primarily by functionality – higher resistance to wear, easier cleaning, and greater flexibility in front panel design.
One such solution is the capacitive touch button (UCB045-RGB-CMFDV1) developed by Unisystem’s specialists. It is a modern HMI (Human-Machine Interface) component, suitable both for new designs and for upgrading existing devices.
UCB045-RGB-CMFDV1 – Designed and Manufactured in Poland
The capacitive touch button is a proprietary Unisystem product, designed and manufactured in Poland.This represents a significant advantage for electronic device manufacturers. In-house design and production capabilities ensure not only full quality control, but also greater flexibility in cooperation – from supply stability and technical support to the possibility of customizing the solution for specific project requirements.
In the case of user interface components, this is particularly important, as they largely determine ease of use, design consistency, and the overall quality of user interaction with the device.
Product Characteristics (UCB045-RGB-CMFDV1)
The capacitive touch button from Unisystem has been designed for integration into professional electronic devices. Its construction ensures high operational reliability, even in demanding environmental conditions.
Key parameters include:
- supply voltage range: 5–36 V DC,
- compact module dimensions: 45.5 × 45.5 mm,
- touch detection area with a diameter of 16 mm,
- operating temperature range: –20°C to +70°C,
- visual and acoustic feedback.
Key Functionalities
The capacitive touch button has been developed for demanding industrial applications, where not only aesthetics and a modern interface matter, but above all operational reliability. Selected functionalities of the solution are presented below.
Operation in the Presence of Liquids
In many industrial environments, the user interface operates under conditions where water may appear on the panel surface, for example in the form of droplets.
The capacitive touch button from Unisystem (UCB045-RGB-CMFDV1) has been optimized for operation in the presence of liquids. Carefully designed structural elements help reduce the impact of water and moisture on capacitance measurement. A guard electrode generates an electric field around the sensor, minimizing susceptibility to disturbances caused by droplets or a thin layer of water on the surface. Additionally, a protective area can further support stable operation in applications requiring increased resistance to, for example, flowing liquids.
This approach reduces the risk of false activations and increases interface reliability in demanding environmental conditions. This is particularly important in devices where unintended triggering of a control function could affect operational safety, process continuity, or the overall system performance.
Resistance to Electromagnetic Interference
In capacitive design, resistance to electromagnetic interference (EMI) is a critical factor, as it can affect measurement stability and the accuracy of touch detection. Interference may originate both from components inside the device – such as power supplies, converters, motors, or other electronic circuits – and from the external environment.
In practice, appropriately selected design solutions are used to limit both the system’s susceptibility to interference and the emission of signals that could degrade its performance. Key aspects include proper selection of signal path components, correct PCB trace routing, minimizing connection lengths, and appropriate grounding and current loop management.
Additional support is provided by software mechanisms such as frequency hopping – dynamically changing the operating frequency of the measurement system to reduce the impact of interference occurring within specific frequency bands. This approach enables more stable interface operation in demanding environments.
The combination of well-designed hardware and interference mitigation techniques ensures high reliability of the touch button. This is particularly important in industrial applications, where elevated levels of electromagnetic interference are a common part of the operating environment.
Operation with Gloves
Capacitive technology typically responds best to direct skin contact with the touch surface, as detection is based on changes in the electric field caused by a conductive object. For this reason, gloves – which act as an insulating layer – can make proper touch detection more difficult in many standard capacitive solutions.
In the case of the capacitive touch button from Unisystem, however, appropriate calibration of the touch controller sensitivity allows the detection range to be increased. As a result, operation with gloves – such as latex or nitrile – is also possible. This is particularly important in environments where gloves are a natural part of everyday work, including industrial, medical, and laboratory applications.
Protective Layer in Capacitive Technology
In capacitive technology, the protective layer of the module is a key element of the overall solution, as it both protects the touch system and participates in the detection process. This means that its parameters – such as thickness, material (e.g. glass or plastic), and surface finish – affect not only mechanical durability and proper interface operation, but also the overall visual appearance of the device.
The capacitive touch button from Unisystem does not include a protective layer as an integral part of its construction – it is selected and added by the final device manufacturer. Since touch detection occurs through this layer, its thickness directly impacts the button’s performance. In the standard configuration, the solution can operate under a layer thickness of 1.1 mm, while with proper calibration it can also be adapted to thicker protective surfaces – up to 4 mm.
At the same time, the use of a protective layer increases the mechanical resistance of the panel. This includes resistance to scratches, accidental and intentional point impacts, as well as the effects of intensive use.
An additional advantage of the protective layer is the wide range of customization options. It can be cut to a specific shape, painted in a selected color scheme, and enhanced with elements such as a manufacturer’s logo, prints, or functional markings. As a result, it also serves an aesthetic function, influencing the overall perception of the device and enabling alignment with the manufacturer’s visual identity.
Power Supply Flexibility
The capacitive touch button from Unisystem supports a wide supply voltage range of 5 to 36 V DC, which significantly expands its integration possibilities across various types of electronic devices. This voltage range allows the solution to be used in both low- and higher-voltage systems.
From a design perspective, this provides greater flexibility in selecting the overall power architecture of the device. The button can be more easily adapted to existing electronics without the need for additional modifications solely to meet the power requirements of the interface component.
Ease of Integration
The solution has been designed for straightforward integration into the device structure. The button module can be bonded to the appropriate area of the front panel without the need for mechanical modifications. Installation is carried out using industrial double-sided adhesive tape (e.g. 3M type), which is an integral part of the button construction and ensures sufficient bonding strength as well as resistance to environmental conditions.
From a design perspective, this simplifies the front panel construction. The benefits are also evident during production – the assembly process is fast, repeatable, and does not require complex mechanical operations. In practice, this translates into more efficient integration of the button into the target device.
UX – Visual and Acoustic Feedback
In HMI interfaces, clear communication between the device and the user plays a crucial role. In the capacitive touch button from Unisystem, this can be achieved in two ways – through visual and acoustic feedback.
The RGB backlight consists of three LEDs, enabling uniform illumination and allowing the color to be adjusted to the requirements of a specific application. This makes it possible to quickly convey information about the current state of the device. The backlight color can indicate, for example, readiness for operation, configuration mode, or an alarm state.
Buzzer. As a complement to visual feedback, an acoustic signal can be implemented using an external buzzer. The button includes a dedicated connector for this purpose; however, the buzzer itself is not a standard part of the solution and should be selected by the customer depending on application requirements.
The combination of both forms of communication improves usability, enhances interface intuitiveness, and helps the user respond correctly to the device’s status.
Applications
Capacitive touch buttons are widely used in modern electronic devices.
Below are three selected examples.
Industrial Automation
In industrial automation, touch buttons can be used in:
- HMI operator panels,
- machine control panels,
- production line control systems.
In such applications, durability and resistance to intensive use are of key importance. The absence of moving parts reduces mechanical wear, extending the lifespan of the interface. Additionally, the ability to operate under a protective layer enables the design of sealed front panels, limiting the ingress of dust, moisture, and other substances present in industrial environments.
Another important advantage is the simplification of front panel design and greater flexibility in its development – both in terms of functionality and visual appearance.
Medical and Laboratory Devices
In medical and laboratory equipment, the ability to effectively and regularly disinfect surfaces is particularly important. The use of front panels made from a single, uniform surface – for example glass – combined with touch technology helps eliminate gaps, mechanical buttons, and other moving parts where contaminants could accumulate. As a result, the interface is easier to keep clean and better suited for frequent disinfection.
In healthcare-related applications, the ability to operate devices while wearing gloves is also a key requirement. Properly calibrated capacitive solutions allow users to interact with devices without removing protective gloves, while maintaining high standards of hygiene, safety, and workflow continuity.
Capacitive solutions are used in applications such as:
- laboratory analyzers,
- diagnostic equipment,
- environmental monitoring devices,
- sterilization and disinfection systems,
- control panels for medical and laboratory equipment.
Additionally, capacitive technology supports the design of ergonomic interfaces, making everyday operation more intuitive for users.
Transport
In the transport sector, touch buttons are used in:
- control panels in specialized vehicles (e.g. municipal vehicles),
- ticket vending machines,
- onboard terminals in buses, trams, and trains,
- passenger information systems,
- control panels for onboard systems.
In such applications, reliable operation under varying conditions – such as vibrations, temperature changes, and intensive use – is essential. The absence of mechanical components reduces the risk of failure, while the use of a protective layer increases resistance to damage and contamination.
Additionally, the possibility of implementing visual and acoustic feedback allows for the design of clear and intuitive user interfaces.
Touch Buttons vs. Mechanical Buttons
When designing new electronic devices or upgrading existing ones, two solutions are often considered: touch buttons and mechanical buttons. Since each of these technologies has its advantages and limitations, it is worth comparing them directly.
| Feature | Capacitive Buttons | Mechanical Buttons |
| Operating principle | Touch detection without moving parts | Activation through mechanical pressing |
| Durability | High, due to the absence of moving parts | Limited by wear of mechanical components |
| Panel sealing | Easier to achieve – no openings in the front panel | More difficult due to the need for openings |
| Cleanliness maintenance | Easier thanks to a smooth interface surface | More difficult, especially around moving parts |
| Design flexibility | Greater | Limited by mechanical construction |
| Ease of integration | No mechanical modifications required (e.g. adhesive mounting), fewer assembly steps | Require openings, mounts, and mechanical components |
| Operation with gloves | Possible with proper calibration for selected materials (e.g. latex or nitrile) | Straightforward, independent of glove material |
| Unintended activations | Minimized through proper calibration and touch detection algorithms | Possible, e.g. due to accidental mechanical pressing |
| User feedback | Can be provided via visual and acoustic signals | Typically provided by physical “click” |
In practice, the choice of the right solution depends on the nature of the device and its operating conditions. Touch buttons perform best in modern applications where durability, sealing, and design flexibility are key. Mechanical buttons, on the other hand, remain the optimal choice where simplicity and clear, tactile feedback are the priority.
The capacitive touch button from Unisystem (UCB045-RGB-CMFDV1) is a solution designed for modern electronic interfaces. Thanks to its ability to operate under a protective layer, resistance to environmental conditions, and flexible integration options, it can be used across a wide range of industries – from industrial automation and medical applications to transport.
If you would like to see how this solution can work in your project, contact our team and ask about the possibility of receiving a demo kit with the capacitive touch button.
