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Human Machine Interface (HMI) Solutions

Printed Electronics

Human Machine Interface (HMI) Solutions

HMI solutions enhance user experience across a wide range of applications, even in demanding environments by offering intuitive control, customizable high-performance designs built for reliability and flexibility. HMI solutions include membrane switches, capacitive switches, PEDOT touch foils, rubber dome switches and backlighting, which deliver responsive, durable interfaces for medical, industrial, automotive and consumer devices.

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Features and Benefits

Customers often struggle with outdated or hard-to-navigate interfaces that impact usability, safety and overall user satisfaction. HMI solutions enable customers to improve the interaction between users and their devices, enhancing touch responsiveness, superior performance, clarity, durability and aesthetic flexibility. They accomplish this through advanced touch technologies (e.g., capacitive switches, PEDOT touch foils) and integrated backlighting. These features allow for sleeker designs, improved responsiveness and increased usability, particularly in low-light environments or on flexible surfaces. They enable intuitive, efficient and safe human interaction by offering sleek and modern interfaces. 

There is a rising demand for products that offer seamless, high-performance user interactions, particularly in environments where traditional controls (e.g., mechanical buttons) no longer meet expectations. Customers are increasingly looking for sleek, modern and reliable interfaces for products. HMI solutions support the trend toward minimalism and functionality while enabling customers to remain competitive in an evolving market.

Membrane Switches

Membrane switches are thin, flexible and highly durable interfaces designed for HMI solutions. They function by activating a circuit when pressed, providing a seamless, versatile and reliable user input method. Membrane switches are commonly utilized in appliances, medical devices and industrial equipment due to their lightweight design, ease of customization and ability to withstand demanding environments.

Human machine interface with membrane switches

Capacitive Switches

Capacitive switches are advanced HMI solutions that utilize touch or proximity to trigger commands, offering seamless and intuitive user interaction. They are widely used in touchscreens, automotive panels and consumer electronics due to their sleek design, durability and ability to support multi-touch gestures.

Human machine interface featuring capacitive switches

PEDOT Touch Foils

PEDOT Touch Foils are innovative HMI solutions featuring a flexible transparent conductive sensor that enables touch functionality while maintaining display clarity. These foils are ideal for creating sleek, modern interfaces, offering touch capability and clear, uninterrupted visibility.

Human machine interface with PEDOT touch foils

Rubber Dome Switches

Rubber Dome Switches are durable and cost-effective HMI solutions that deliver tactile feedback when pressed, ensuring a responsive and user-friendly experience. These switches are frequently used in keyboards, remote controls and control panels because of their versatility, quiet operation and resilience under frequent use.

Human machine interface with rubber dome switches

Integrated Backlighting and LEDs

Integrated Backlighting and LEDs are advanced HMI solutions designed to enhance visibility and usability in low-light environments while elevating design aesthetics. They ensure effortless interaction and improved functionality under various lighting conditions. Backlight designs provide a contemporary yet functional design element.

Human machine interface with integrated backlighting and LEDs

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Human Machine Interface (HMI) Solutions

Discover how Molex can help create your next HMI solution through our diverse range of innovative product lines. From advanced button capabilities and eye-catching graphical designs to seamless display integration and dynamic backlighting, we specialize in developing solutions that meet the unique needs of your application.

Applications by Industries

This is not a definitive list of applications for this product. It represents some of the more common uses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are PEDOT Touch Foils, and how do they work?

PEDOT Touch Foils are thin, transparent, conductive films that enable touch functionality. They are lightweight, flexible and ideal for integrating custom HMI designs for applications requiring sleek and durable touch interfaces.

Does Molex offer multi-touch solutions for HMIs?

Yes, Molex can design multi-touch HMI solutions that enable intuitive gestures such as pinch, swipe and zoom, enhancing user interaction and functionality. 

How does Molex ensure that HMI designs meet specific environmental requirements?

Molex works closely with customers to understand the environmental requirements and then selects materials and technologies that meet their environmental conditions, including resistance to moisture, UV exposure, extreme temperatures and chemical exposure.

How does Molex validate the performance of its HMI solutions?

Molex has a state-of-the-art reliability lab which is capable of rigorous validation testing, including lifecycle, environmental and mechanical stress tests. This helps to ensure the highest levels of performance and reliability under real-world conditions. Depending on customer requirements, Molex can offer this testing in-house, allowing the customer to validate their full assembly with Molex-integrated HMI. Many customers do their own full product testing and only require basic testing of the sub-assembly HMI by Molex. Typical testing includes cosmetic inspection, turning on/off any LEDs and validating the proper function of all button presses.

Does Molex provide technical support for HMI integration?

Yes, Molex offers technical support, including design assistance, prototyping and troubleshooting, which ensures seamless integration of HMI solutions into the products.