Custom capacitive interface panels enhance appliance brand value and userexperience in two Class-A energy efficient washing machine models

 

Singapore – August 7, 2012 –Molex Incorporated has partnered with a multinationalmanufacturer of major appliances to develop capacitive touchpad panels for two highendClass-A energy saving clothes washers. Molex capacitive switches and panels usecapacitive-field-sensing technology to enable user interfaces with no moving parts in arange of medical, industrial, consumer and home appliance product applications.

 

“Capacitive switch technology offers a proven upgrade to mechanical controls inelectronic user interfaces,” states Steve Fulton, engineering manager, Molex. “Thewashing machine user panels encapsulate imaginative ideas and robust engineering forenhanced functionality, with exceptional product reliability and energy savings.”

The capacitive switch panel designs incorporate solid-state circuitry in a robust interfacethat is highly resistant to multiple key presses, water, dirt, contaminants and EMI.Molex capacitive overlays and panels allow easy appliance cleaning and are availablein a variety of cosmetic options, including in-mold decoration (IMD), glass or virtuallyany non-conductive material.

 

Both washing machine models feature multiple wash options, requiring numerous tightlyspaced capacitive key sensors and icons. A single 44-pin microcontroller handles allpanel functionality. Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter communication forsensor reporting and lighting control ensures consistent responsiveness and panellighting levels in the user-controlled bright and dim modes. The power button has beenintegrated into the Molex capacitive panels to provide additional power savings whenthe laundry appliance is not in use; a dead front appearance hides the icons until thepower 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 ofhigh-end products. As a design-to-launch partner, Molex leveraged our global networkto deliver innovative and cost-effective panel designs and options that matched ourcustomer’s creative concepts, timeline and budget,” adds Fulton.

Molex switch products are engineered and manufactured in a vertically-integratedenvironment, with electrical, mechanical and process engineers located globally. Allmanufacturing facilities are ISO9000 and ISO14000 certified. Capacitive switchassemblies are qualified through tests based on American Society of Testing andMaterial standards. For additional information on Molex membrane switch andcapacitive switch products, please visit www.molex.com/product/switch/index.html. Toreceive information on other Molex products and industry solutions, please sign up forour e-nouncement newsletter.

 

About Molex Incorporated
Providing more than connectors, Molex delivers complete interconnect solutions for anumber of markets including data communications, telecommunications, consumerelectronics, industrial, automotive, medical, military and lighting. Established in 1938,the company operates 40 manufacturing locations in 16 countries. The Molex websiteis www.molex.com Follow us at www.twitter.com/molexconnectors watch our videos at　www.youtube.com/molexconnectors, connect with us at　www.facebook.com/molexconnectors and read our blog at www.connector.com.

 

Molex is a registered trademark of Molex Incorporated.

Companies Website:
http://components-asiapac.arrow.com/en/new_product/4812/

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