Improve driving experience based on PEDOT touch film

PEDOT-based touch films offer automakers increased efficiency and cost savings while delivering the features consumers demand.

As more automakers adopt advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and look forward to autonomous vehicle cabins, vehicles today need to be durable and easy to operate, with a design that facilitates swipe-style operation. Touchscreens and capacitive buttons fit the needs of today’s digital world, putting smart technology at the driver’s fingertips.

However, replacing traditional mechanical switches with touch screens and capacitive buttons is also a challenge in terms of design and cost. In fact, some automakers lack the knowledge and internal design experience to implement capacitive touch.

In the past, engineers designing capacitive touch devices have relied on indium tin oxide (ITO), which was considered too brittle and inflexible for use on curved surfaces. As an alternative to ITO, PEDOT sensors have been proven to withstand more than 50,000 bending cycles. PEDOT also offers a more cost-effective solution. But many automakers are still hesitant to consider PEDOT as a solution due to a lack of internal knowledge and technical design experience.

As consumers prefer touch-to-start features, while automakers face challenges in designing solutions and finding cost-effective alternatives, Molex can help automotive customers meet all of these needs.

Compared with ITO, PEDOT capacitive touch film is an economical solution and also broadens the application of capacitive interfaces .

For example, it is thin (typically between 0.10 and 0.50 mm thick) and flexible, allowing it to be applied to different shapes or curved surfaces. In addition, the touch film has a highly transparent icon area, and the backlight can shine through the plastic icon on the PCB . Manufacturers can apply the touch film to the back of the user interface, which is usually a plastic part with graphics or switch icons.

With PEDOT touch film, automakers can differentiate their brands from other brands through unique appearance and user experience. Interior technology also provides customized and personalized design, giving drivers a unique driving experience.

Today, many Chinese companies are turning to Molex for PEDOT-related design support and troubleshooting due to the difficulty in deploying high-quality touch foil solutions. Molex has been developing PEDOT solutions for automotive customers for more than a decade.

Today, most OEMs are using touch foils in their new vehicle models, and Molex has become an industry leader in this application.

PEDOT touch screens are ready to be fully integrated into cars. Molex works closely with customers to understand each customer's needs and meet their expectations.

Next, the Molex team creates a design concept and reviews it with the customer. Molex provides comprehensive design support for hardware, software and mechanical aspects. Working with Molex, customers also benefit from Molex's quality control system, ensuring that Molex delivers superior quality to meet the needs and expectations of automotive customers.

Today, PEDOT touch film is used in a large number of automotive switches, such as in center stacks, overhead consoles and steering wheels. Essentially, it supports all capacitive touch applications to replace mechanical buttons. Molex engineers have expertise in capacitive switch applications and automotive requirements. The Molex team is ready to provide customers with early design support and will address the most advanced automotive interior needs with innovative technologies. Molex provides strong professional design and manufacturing capabilities, as well as electrical and software development, to support automakers' goals for today's and tomorrow's automotive designs.