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Backlighting
Posted by Nancy Figueroa | July 2021
When shopping for a laptop, most people prioritize technical features and pay little attention to aesthetics.
Yet, considering the keyboard is the bridge between human command and computer processing, its importance becomes clear.
Especially if you find yourself working in low-light environments, the necessity of a backlit keyboard is evident.
But how do manufacturers achieve this feature? Let's delve into various technologies and methods utilized to create these remarkable devices with backlighting.
What is Backlighting?
Backlighting involves the integration of components to illuminate a specific area or the front surface of a device, such as a membrane switch found in an electronic device.
This light serves various purposes, such as signaling to the user to take action, as seen with a red LED indicating a problem or a green LED signifying everything is functioning correctly.
Another application of backlighting is to illuminate the entire device when ambient lighting is low.
The systems for achieving backlighting incorporate components that can be either surface-mounted, like LEDs, or printed, such as phosphor inks, along with inverters or power supplies.
How can I add backlighting to the membrane switch?
Here, we list four alternatives to incorporate backlighting into a membrane switch or any other project requiring illumination.
Backlighting by LEDS
(Light-Emitting Diodes)
This is a low-cost technology, ideal for illuminating specific areas.
Most commonly used as indicator lights or keys in many devices.
LEDs are not recommended for entire areas, at least that you combine them with other material.
Have a useful life between 50,000 and 100,000 hours, depending directly on the environment the device is exposed to.
Low energy consumption.
Can be single or multi-colored.
Electroluminescence by Phosphor inks
This kind of illumination is created through printed inks that contain light-emitting phosphors. A layer of this ink is added between the circuit and the graphic overlay.
This type of backlighting is optimal for applications where enhanced surface visibility is needed, such as keyboards.
Although pricier than LEDs, this option offers the potential for extraordinary custom designs.
While not offering as wide a range of colors as LED options, this choice boasts an elegant and modern appearance.
3. Backlighting by Fiber Optic
This type of backlight is achieved by incorporating a thin layer of fiber optic material between the circuit and the graphic overlay.
The fibers are grouped into a small cylindrical connector coupled to a light source, usually a LED.
Low energy consumption.
Can handle high temperatures and humidity
Reasonable cost
4. Backlight Hybrid
The preceding methods of achieving backlighting in an application can be combined; for instance, by incorporating a guide of LEDs mounted on a PET film, we achieve improved light distribution.
Another example involves combining phosphor inks with ITO materials. This approach is particularly well-suited for electroluminescent lamps, but attention to detail is crucial to prevent light loss.
Selecting any of the backlighting alternatives for your project requires careful consideration. It's important to note that each technique necessitates a power source and may require connectors. However, with the expertise of our design team, we can offer recommendations to enhance the application.
Let's talk about your project
Are you interested in incorporating any of the backlighting techniques into your project?
Please contact us: sales@ensel.org