Capacitive Sensor Technology: Strengthens With the Booming Electronics Industry

Capacitive sensing involves sensors that are used for the detection and measurement of proximity, position, pressure, humidity, force, displacement, fluid level, and acceleration. The growing consumer electronics industry is burgeoning the market demand.

The utilization of capacitive sensors in varied consumer electronics goods is propelling the market growth. The growing smartphone penetration is further augmenting the market demand. This is further supported by the installation of touchscreens on these devices among other mobile devices like iPad and tablets. With the onset of virtual reality, the market is continuing to keep pace with evolving consumer interests. Cirque Corporation, an inventor of the capacitive touch technology, in 2018, announced the launch of its state-of-art technology platform, called as VR Grip™, a solution that is a combination of capacitive touch with proximity sensing for the creation of a truly integrated virtual reality experience. The novel solution amalgamates tracking of a user’s hand and fingers on the controller surface, and through proximity sensing tracks position of finger in the open space above the controller surface. The product is similar in function to a glove tracking system, while continuing the direct touch sensing feedback and trigger control of a controller. Such innovations will further continue to drive the capacitive sensor market growth at a significant pace.

The use of interactive displays like an HMI in varied end-use industry verticals is further propagating the market growth. With advancements in technology, capacitive sensors are highly preferred and are replacing mechanical buttons, switches, scroll bars, and jog wheels at a fast pace in many of the electronic devices. Capacitive sensing differs from that of inductive sensing, it is capable of sensing different substances such as skin, plastic, metal, and liquid. Thus, these devices offer a smart and rugged choice in comparison to the traditional options. In case of rugged industrial applications where there is a requirement of a control device for tolerating sustained exposure to conditions like temperature swings, humidity, dirt, accidental spills, or long exposure to moisture, capacitive sensors excel in their performance. Hence, owing to their exceptional performance characteristics, these are in high demand among the electronic device manufacturers.

In airports, the installation of interactive displays provide convenience to air passengers traversing through busy airports to regain information required at their fingertips. However, in the current coronavirus pandemic scenario, the demand for touchscreens have reduced to a greater extent due to the imposed travel bans. Hence, this has impacted the market growth severely in this sector. However, after recovery, with adjustments made as per the new normal, the market will further continue to gain pace at a steady rate in airports.

For broadcast applications, in the media and entertainment industry, the market is continuing to grow at a rapid pace, even in the mid of the pandemic scenario. This is due to the fact that whether on the set or while in the production room, broadcast outlets are realizing the importance of interactive displays in their operation, and hence are in high demand.

For business presentations, interactive displays are contributing to gaining more viewer attention. Displays can be configured to display content through any device, via desktop or mobile and through multi touch features, the audience can explore data that is being presented. However, amid COVID-19 scenario, touchscreen displays are in demand for video conferencing, among other electronic devices for contacting people around the world and carrying out their business operations through remote working. This is further contributing to surging the capacitive sensor market growth. The displays are available in different screen sizes as per the need.

In education sector as well, interactive displays are being adopted as a powerful novel way to interact with students. The utilization of multi-touch displays has allowed the instructors and teachers to enhance their teaching methods by the use of high-resolution images, 3D models, and interactive videos. This have further contributed to gather a better understanding of the subject, in addition, students are capable of relating the acquired subject knowledge to real world applications in a much better way.

In automotive manufacturing, capacitive sensors are utilized for the measurement of brake disc deformation. Due to the high temperature development, very few sensors hold suitability for operating close to the measurement object. Capacitive transducers are capable of detecting changes at nanometer level, and thus, measures the erosion on the brake disc.

In the gaming industry, multitouch displays providing interactive visualization for gamers are offering immense opportunities for manufacturers to develop innovative games. Thus, contributing to providing a whole new gaming experience to their customers.

Interactive touchscreen kiosks in shopping malls and other commercial spaces have led to providing unlimited information to the user. Hence, it has become quite convenient for users to extract immediate important information at the tip of their fingers. This has further surged the market demand with the growing construction of shopping complexes with increasing urbanization, especially, in the developing regions of the world.

Capacitive sensors are used for tolerance testing applications in mass production, vibration measurement, strain measurement, thickness control of thin metal foils and plastic foils at the time production process and many more applications. It is also utilized in semiconductor industry for bevelling and bending of wafers during production.

In power industry, capacitive sensors are used for dynamic measurements in turbines or engines. The centrifugal forces exerted on turbine blades lead to the expansion of the blades. For designing and construction of these blades, it is necessary that there is no imbalance that result in instability of the system. Hence, the use of capacitive transducers allows the detection of changes at the nanometer level and hence provide data for finite element analysis (FEM). The growing demand for energy and power will continue to propel the market demand. According to the OECD Green Growth Studies, the share of nuclear power is projected to increase from 6% to 7% during the time period 2009 to 2035. In addition, the use of renewable energy is expected to rise to around three-folds over the same time period.

Source: OECD Green Growth Studies, Increase in Share of Nuclear Power

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Vibha Saklani is a Market Research Analyst at KSI, working on the estimates and global reports on multiple industries spanning from IoT to food and beverages, with a special knack for healthcare, medical devices, and related markets. With the addition of her formal education in Biotechnology and having a research background, she is able to shed more light on the detailed analysis of the story. To read more articles by her, and for more information regarding multiple global markets, visit www.knowledge-sourcing.com.