Cirque joins with Optera to develop revolutionary surface capacitive touch panel technology – GlideTouchSC

6/1/2009 12:00:00 AM

Historical limitations in surface capacitive technology have been addressed, making possible new solutions ideal for mobile devices such as netbook/notebook computers.

Salt Lake City, UT – Cirque Corporation, the original touch solutions company, announced today it has demonstrated advanced surface capacitive panels targeted specifically to netbook and notebook computers. This advanced solution overcomes many of the traditional drawbacks associated with surface capacitive technology allowing mobile implementations that were not previously possible. The work was performed in a cooperative development program with Optera Inc., http://www.optera.com/netbooks, the leading innovator of surface capacitive touch panels.

Cirque’s new surface capacitive technology provides an attractive alternative to traditional resistive touch panels. With a thickness of only 1mm, GlideTouchSC panels can be easily integrated into the advanced industrial designs of portable devices. SC panels provide superior light transmission and durability. GlideTouchSC utilizes a glass touch surface with no plastic layers to scratch and wear. No pressure is required to register a touch resulting in smooth, easy user input. Furthermore, this unique combination of features is available at a competitive price point to resistive touch sensors.

Historically, surface capacitive technology was not a viable option for mobile devices due to issues such as high power consumption, drift and poor battery operation. These issues have been solved by Cirque and Optera’s solution. GlideTouchSC’s combination of features makes it the ideal touch screen technology for future generation netbooks and notebooks.

A range of other enhancements have been developed. Cirque’s GlideTouchSC panels have the ability to be designed for both standard bezel mounting and frameless applications (similar to the Apple iPhone). For enhanced durability, Optera’s ArmorClad™ technology adds a micro thin layer of front glass for additional protection.

Surface capacitive panel research is part of the ongoing effort between Cirque and Optera to enable people to better interact with technology, and push the envelope of what is possible with capacitive touch.

Cirque Corporation, based in Salt Lake City UT, is one of the pioneers in touch technology innovation. Cirque produced the first commercially successful touchpad for both retail and notebook computers, and continues to push the envelope of what is possible with capacitive touch technology.

Explore this website to find out more about Cirque’s innovative touch solutions.

Optera has been a leader in touch screen coatings and sensors for more than 25 years. With manufacturing operations in the U.S. and China it is a global leader with products in traditional applications such as Gaming and Point-of-Sale to the newest Smart Phones. For more information about Optera’s extensive line of touch panel solutions, visit http://www.optera.com.

Cirque, GlideTouch, and all associated logos are trademarks of Cirque Corporation. Optera, ArmorClad, and all associated logos are trademarks of Optera Incorporated. iPhone is a trademark of Apple Inc.

Contact Information:
Ethan Trump
Marketing Manager
(801) 467-1100