Product category:
Switches and Keyboards
News Release from: ClickTouch | Subject: GenRad Diagnostic Solutions
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial
Team on 15 March 2002
Membranes are key to simple testing
ClickTouch membrane keyboards are an integral part of automotive diagnostic equipment manufactured by GenRad Diagnostic Solutions.
A global leader in electronics testing and production solutions, GenRad Diagnostic Solutions employs 400 people worldwide Serving original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and the electronics manufacturing services market, the products and solutions GenRad provides allow its customers to maintain high product quality and reduce costs
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 9 Jul 2002 at 8.00am (UK)
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Nowhere is this better illustrated than in the automotive industry where GenRad products that include Velleman Switch ClickTouch membrane keyboards are widely used by OEMs to maintain and improve competitiveness.
At its plant in Willebroek, Belgium, GenRad manufactures diagnostic equipment for end-of-line testing of automobiles.
GenRad's vehicle communication devices allow access and control of a wide range of onboard vehicle electronic networked systems.
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The equipment is designed to check electrical components such as those that operate the car's headlights, windows and wipers, as well as the onboard computers that control airbags, ABS systems and motor management functions.
Using the latest radio frequency technology or cabled options the equipment communicates using standard TCP/IP, modified for assembly line use.
In addition, the devices are equipped with an LCD screen, barcode reader and keypad with operators guided through configurations and test sequences to meet with production demands.
Velleman Switch ClickTouch membrane keyboards are an integral part of the diagnostic equipment, affording operators the control needed to carry out these vital checks.
Velleman Switch has been a leading manufacturer of custom-built, and standard electronic interface devices since 1986.
Designed to be functional, ergonomic and reliable, Velleman Switch's ClickTouch technology provides simple, cost-effective solutions for all types of tactile membrane keyboards.
The ClickTouch membrane panel manufactured by Velleman for GenRad incorporates a full alpha/numeric keyboard, directional and function keys in a compact control panel, with dense switch packing.
LED lights built into the membrane panel provide 'power', 'charge' and 'battery low' indicators and a strong self-adhesive backing enables the entire membrane switch assembly to be fitted to the diagnostic system simply and efficiently.
Eric Moisson, Project Manager at GenRad, Belgium, says: "Our test equipment is used by motor manufacturers such as Volvo Truck, Peugeot-Citroen, Opel, Fiat, Hyundai, Kia and Jaguar to ensure that their cars meet the high standard of quality their customers expect".
"The components we use in the equipment not only need to satisfy our needs with regards to cost-effectiveness and ease of installation, but also our customers requirements.
Velleman Switch keyboards match the criteria perfectly".
Easy to install and ergonomically designed for the best end-user results, Velleman's ClickTouch technology offers users such as GenRad a wide range of feature related benefits.
The membrane keys, for example, provide a positive response (by way of a 'click') when actuated so that operators are sure that the instruction has been relayed.
Ideal for end-of-line applications such as those GenRad serve, the keyboard is designed for harsh industrial environments - fully sealed to IP67 and fully EMC shielded.
Furthermore, the low profile LEDs built into the keyboard, rather than onto the PCB, reduce the risk of misalignment ensuring unbeatable levels of performance.
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