Single-Layer Capacitive Touch Panel Layout for Cost Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional capacitive touch panels with a double conducting layer structure are costly due to the complexity and number of masks required in their fabrication.
Innovation Solution
A capacitive touch panel layout structure implemented in a single conducting layer, where driving and receiving electrodes are disposed in the same layer, with the receiving electrodes insulated from each other and connected to a controller through different electrical paths, allowing for simultaneous driving and sensing of capacitance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a double conducting layer structure is used for mutual capacitance touch panel, then the sensing capability and touch detection accuracy are improved, but the fabrication cost and device complexity increase due to configuration of double conducting layers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the driving electrode and receiving electrode into a single conducting layer, eliminating the need for separate conducting layers. The driving electrode includes both driving portions and receiving portions integrated in one layer, reducing fabrication complexity while maintaining mutual capacitance sensing capability through optimized electrode geometry and insulation patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The single conducting layer is segmented into different functional regions: driving portions for applying drive signals and receiving portions for detecting touch signals. These segments are electrically isolated through insulation patterns, allowing the single layer to perform multiple functions that traditionally required separate layers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a double conducting layer structure is used for mutual capacitance touch panel, then the electrode functionality is improved, but the fabrication cost increases due to higher number of masks and processing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electrode functions into a single conducting layer structure. The driving electrode is configured to perform both driving function (through driving portions) and receiving function (through receiving portions) within the same layer, reducing the number of fabrication masks and processing steps required.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the single conducting layer are designed with different local properties: driving portions with specific geometry for effective signal application, receiving portions with different geometry for optimal signal detection, and insulation patterns strategically placed to provide electrical isolation where needed. This local differentiation enables versatile functionality within a simplified single-layer structure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design simplifies the fabrication process, reducing costs by eliminating the need for a second conducting layer and enhancing sensing capability through optimized electrode geometries.
Implementation Method 1
the controller simultaneously drives the first driving electrode and senses the first receiving electrode, so as to sense a capacitance corresponding to a position where the first touch unit is located in the capacitive touch panel
Data Source
AI summary
A layout structure of a capacitive touch panel is provided. The layout structure includes a plurality of electrical paths and a plurality of touch units. The touch units respectively include at least a receiving electrode and at least a driving electrode insulated from the receiving electrode. The receiving electrodes and the driving electrodes are disposed in the same conducting layer. The receiving electrodes are connected to a controller via different electrical paths. The driving electrodes electrically are connected to each other.