Dito vs Nano Touch Solutions
Touch-responsive surfaces are as ubiquitous as they are taken for granted but, for us, their sensors are the immediate power behind an effective display solution. We work with companies all over the world, supplying sensors and custom integrating them into display solutions for some of the most challenging industries you can imagine (and some you probably can’t!). So, we wanted to take some time talk about the two main types of touch sensors we offer.
While you’re no doubt familiar with both types, the ‘DITO’ (Double-sided Indium Tin Oxide) touch sensor is the hardier of the two and is subsequently the choice for touch display solutions that need to be more rugged. Phones, tablets and car displays are a common example of this, but equally you’ll find DITO sensors in high resolution indoor displays in the marine industry. The sensor itself is a fairly innocuous looking sheet of glass, approximately half a millimetre thick. On either side of the glass is a layer of the Indium Tin Oxide (ITO), hence the name – Double-sided ITO. It’s important to note that the DITO has no flexibility and will not bend or flex to a surface, which obviously limits the touch display applications in which it can be used.
The second type of sensor technology that we supply is the Nano FF (sometimes called a ‘nano mesh sensor’). And while, on the face of it, it doesn’t look much different to the DITO, the Nano FF is very different. Firstly, it’s made of two foils and two layers of adhesive, so it’s actually pretty pliable and can be moulded to shape, which makes it ideal for curved displays and wearable applications, like fitness trackers. It also has a glue layer, which means it can be roll laminated onto glass quite easily.
In terms of performance, as well as its physical flexibility, the Nano FF has some very appealing qualities, such as low conductivity (important in resisting certain fields of emission) and high transmission, as well as having UV resistance and no colour change. However, the DITO touch sensor is probably the most widely utilised of the two and found in most consumer electronics due to its high transmission, long working life and ability to register multiple touches at once.
While DITO is physically more rugged, Nano Mesh Sensors are more resistant to electromagnetic interference. However, the decision on which type of technology to use is dependent on many factors, and the decision between them might not be as clear cut as deciding between physical or electromagnetic resilience. Size, weight, brightness, thickness, , housing and environment are also factors to consider.
| DITO | Nano FF | |
| Description: | Double-sided indium tin oxide for small and medium sized touch applications. Better for screens in rugged environments. | Nano mesh sensor with two foils and two layers of adhesive for small and medium sized screens. Mouldable to shape. Better for environments with higher levels of electromagnetic interference. |
| Ideal for: | Indoor and Marine applications. | Indoor and outdoor. Curved displays. No colour change/UV resistance. |
| Sheet resistance: | 60-90ohm/sq | 20-30ohm |
| Patterning process: | Sputtering and etching | Roll-to-roll, sheet, laser |
| Transmittance: | > 90% | > 89% |
| Haze: | < 3% | < 2% |
| Size: | 3.5” – 27” | 3.5” – 32” |
| Glass thickness: | < 2mm | Up to 10mm |
In this respect, working with Avent Embedded is a welcome added benefit when deciding on which type of touch sensor is suitable for your product. Our in-house experts at our Global Technology Campuses have decades of extensive experience in designing touch-driven solutions and love a challenge! If you’re looking for support, please contact us to find out more.
