Electroluminescent

GM Nameplate's patented electroluminescent (EL) keypad technology integrates electroluminescence lighting with elastomers to create highly functional switch units that are lightweight, reliable, attractive, and because of their innovative design utilizing few parts, very economical.

Electroluminescent (EL) keypad technology offers particular advantages for the industrial, aerospace, automotive and computer industries with its thin (typically .012") and flexible light source and low power consumption. The technology also generates very little heat, is vibration and impact resistant and withstands thermal shock.

FACTS ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES

Typical specifications include:

.020"-.060" switch travel

.008"-.010" flexible light source

Power consumption approx. .15mA/cm2

Generates approx. 1C above ambient

Operation temperature -30C to +80C

Typical half life => 10000 hours

Voltage range 20-200V AC

Frequency 50-3000Hz

No light pipes to design or mold (translucent elastomer functions as a light pipe)

Fewer components compared to assemblies utilizing light pipes and light dams with plastic keycaps and/or mechanical switches

Variable tactile response from the dual layer construction

Different day and night graphic colors

Sealed top surface

Elastomeric graphic layer can be on a thin contoured surface

EL backlighting has a shorter life than LEDs

Recommended for low light or nighttime viewing conditions because it is not as bright as LEDs

AC signal is required to power an EL display

Color options are typically more limited than LED color options