What is a Touch Sensor?
A touch sensor is an electronic device that detects and responds to physical contact or proximity. Essentially, it acts as a sophisticated switch, transforming physical touch into an electrical signal. This seemingly simple function has revolutionized how we interact with technology, from smartphones to industrial machinery. How do Touch Sensors Work? The underlying principle varies depending on the type of touch sensor: Capacitive: These sensors utilize the human body's electrical conductivity. When a finger touches the sensor's surface, it disrupts the sensor's electrical field, causing a change in capacitance that is detected by the device. Resistive: These consist of two conductive layers separated by an insulator. When pressure is applied, the layers come into contact, completing an electrical circuit. Infrared: These sensors emit and detect infrared light. When an object interrupts the beam, the sensor registers the touch. Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW): These senso...