What’s the Difference Between IR & PCAP Displays?

Infrared (IR) and Projected Capacitive (PCAP) are the two most common types of touch screen technologies. Although you may not be able to tell the difference when using an interactive touch screen unless you know how to identify which is which, they are quite different in structure and design. Below we’ll break down the difference between the two to give you better idea of why one might be better than the other for whatever purpose you may be buying or renting your touch systems for.

Projected Capacitive Touch Screens

PCAP touch screen software is typically used in smart phones and tablets, but can also be used for much larger screens. It works through the use of a conductive grid that recognizes changes in its electromagnetic field by the touch of your finger. Projected capacitive touch screen technology does not require a bezel. They detect only fingers or styluses. PCAP displays very accurate, and capable of up to 60 touch points.

Infrared Touch Screens

IR touch technology involves an embedded overlay of infrared beams from top to bottom and side to side around the device’s bezel. When the invisible plane provided by the beams in broken by any object, the device registers a touch point. With up to 40 simultaneous touch points, IR touch screen displays are a bit less accurate than PCAP displays. That said, Infrared displays are still quite accurate enough to be used in a wide variety of settings. But when used outdoors on a bright and sunny day, the sunlight can sometimes interfere with the overlay’s touch reception.

Digital Touch Systems has Both IR and PCAP Touch Screen Rentals of All Sizes

At Digital Touch Systems, we have both infrared and projected capacitive touch screen rentals which can include customized software. Have a look at the Products page on our website to choose from a wide variety of touchscreen rental options. We provide the perfect solution for any event with affordable and customized touch screen rentals sent right to you. Contact us to find out more!

As a professional touch screen manufacturer, CloudTop is equipped with over 2000 square meters clean rooms, producing PCAP touchscreen sensors, FPC bonding, cover glass laminating, TFT-LCD optical bonding, and air-gap bonding, touch monitors assemblage etc.