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PCAP and AR Touchscreens in a Rugged Environment

Updated: December, 2024

Summary

This document reviews the differences and similarities between a Projected Capacitive touchscreen (PCAP) and an Analog Resistive touchscreen (AR) for rugged environment applications. The two can be summarized by noting that PCAP touch works with electrical capacitance (familiar to smartphone users) whereas AR touch works with the application of pressure.
 

Technology Overview

Projected Capacitive (PCAP): PCAP touchscreens use a transparent conductive coating of sensors. When a capacitive body (finger or stylus) contacts the surface, the sensors detect the conductive properties and register a touch event.

Analog Resistive (AR): AR touchscreens have two transparent layers separated by a thin gap. Each layer’s internal surface features a conductive coating. Touch events are recorded when the two layers are pressed against each other, allowing voltage to pass through.

 

Technical Comparison

Multi-touch Capabilities

  • PCAP: Supports up to 10 simultaneous touches and gestures such as pinch, scroll, rotation, zoom and flip. This provides excellent responsivity for multi-touch
  • AR: Typically limited to single touch, with some models supporting multi-touch

Environmental performance

  • Durability
    • PCAP: Features chemically strengthened glass (Gorilla Glass) with 9H pencil hardness for superior scratch resistance allowing for continued use even after being cracked or damaged
    • AR: Plastic upper sensor layer with optional glass protection layer for additional ruggedness
  • Display Characteristics
    • PCAP: Superior sunlight readability
    • AR: Multiple layers can result in reduced light output due to reflectance on surface; susceptible to yellowing or hazing over time
  • Input Methods
    • Both technologies work with fingers, gloves or stylus and perform well in dusty, humid or moist conditions.
    • PCAP: Requires capacitive-compatible input devices; calibration needed for varying input sizes
    • AR: Works with pressure input from finger, glove or stylus

Electro-Magnetic Conditions

  • PCAP: Requires specific EMI protection; can meet MIL-STD-461F standard for radiated emissions and electromagnetic compatibility and MIL-STE-1275E for electrostatic discharge
  • AR: Inherently resistant to electromagnetic interference

Cost Considerations

PCAP and AR touchscreens are similar in cost.

PCAP touchscreenAR touchscreen
Multi-TouchGreat - Up to 10Good - Up to 2
Touch detectionGood – requires capacitive objectGreat – any object
ToughnessGreat - Up to 9H hardnessGood – Up to 7H hardness
Optical TransmissivityGreatGood – can degrade over time
Water/Dust/HumidityGood – can be calibrated for best (Great) performanceGreat
EMIGreatGreat

Below: qualification tests that have been performed and qualified on ArgonFDS display products with PCAP and AR touchscreens.

EMI Qualification
RTCA DO-160F		Electrical
MIL-STD-461G
Environmental Qualification
RTCA DO-160F
Magnetic EffectRE102Altitude
Inrush CurrentRS103Decompression
Voltage SpikeCS 101, Audio Freq CSOverpressure
Induced Signal SusceptibilityCS114Ground Survival High Temperature
Emission of RF Energy, RadiatedCS115Operating High Temperature
Emission of RF Energy, ConductedCS116Operating Low Temperature
Lightning Induced Transient SusceptibilityCS118Ground Survival Low Temperature
RE102CE102Short Time Operating Low Temperature
RS103Short Time Operating High Temperature
CS 101, Audio Freq CSTemperature Shock
CS114Sand and Dust
CS115Fungus Resistance
CS116Waterproofness
CS118Fluid Susceptibility
CE102Humidity
Flammability
Vibration (Functional)
Shock and Operational Safety

Conclusion

Choosing between PCAP and AR technologies should be based on specific application requirements, particularly:

  • Input method requirements
  • Environmental conditions
  • Display clarity needs
  • EMI protection requirements
  • Expected service life

Each technology offers distinct advantages in rugged environments, making the final selection dependent on specific use-case priorities.
 

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ArgonFDS Touchscreen-enabled Rugged Tablets

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