User Interface Data Requirements

When it comes to any human-machine interface product, there is a minimum amount of data requirements that are needed. This will help provide you with an accurate quote and proposal that outlines all the specific requirements that are needed for your design.

Our Engineering team will perform a full design review to ensure there are no manufacturing issues before production is started.

At a Glance: User Interface Data Requirements

• Providing complete design and engineering data early in the development process helps accelerate quoting, design review, and manufacturing readiness while reducing the risk of production delays.
• Data requirements vary by product type, but typically include mechanical drawings, artwork files, electrical specifications, material requirements, environmental requirements, and interface details.
• Thorough documentation enables engineering teams to validate manufacturability, identify potential issues before production, and ensure the final user interface meets functional and reliability requirements.

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SMART User Interfaces

• Product drawing (File formats: .PDF, .DWG, .DXF)
  • Product drawing should include:
    • Mechanical dimensions of finished part
    • Dimensions of display viewing area
    • Overlay material and finish
    • Color specifications (Pantone Matching System preferred)
    • Type of switch (non-tactile, tactile with metal domes, capacitive touch)
    • Embossing requirements (type and location)
      • Rim emboss
      • Pillow emboss
    • Tail exit location
    • Tail length
    • Tail termination method:
      • ZIF
      • Female connector
      • Solder tabs
    • Tail pitch
    • LED color specifications
    • Backlighting requirements (if required)
    • Shielding requirements (if required)
    • Environmental/sealing requirements (IP rating, UV protection, etc.)
    • Mounting method (studs, rear adhesive, etc.)
  • Graphic overlay artwork (.AI preferred; .DWG, .DXF is acceptable)
  • Schematic (File formats: .PDF, .DWG, .DXF)
  • Requirements document (.PDF)
    • Provide a block diagram for all electrical I/O
    • List any quality, testing, and certification requirements
    • Power Requirements:
      • Available Voltage(s)
      • Available Current
      • Maximum Power Allowed
      • AC or DC
    • Define electrical signals for all I/O:
      • Analog signal interface (quantity, amplitude ranges)
      • Digital signal interface (formats/data rates, etc.)
      • Data presentation accuracy/tolerance (describe all signals that will require processing to a specific level of accuracy)
      • Non-volatile data retention required? (save captured data for analysis, etc.)
      • Define electrical communications protocols, if necessary (USB, RS232, etc.)
      • Expected throughput (system update speeds, etc.)

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Membrane Switches

• Product drawing (File formats: .PDF, .DWG, .DXF)
  • Product drawing should include:
    • Mechanical dimensions of finished part
    • Overlay material and finish
    • Color specifications (Pantone Matching System preferred)
    • Type of switch (non-tactile or tactile with metal domes)
    • Tail exit location
    • Tail length
    • Tail termination method:
      • ZIF
      • Female connector
      • Solder tabs
    • Tail pitch
    • Pinout and PIN 1 location
    • Embossing requirements (type and location)
      • Rim emboss
      • Pillow emboss
    • LED color specifications
    • Backlighting requirements (if required)
    • Shielding requirements (if required)
    • Environmental/sealing requirements (IP rating, UV protection, etc)
• Graphic overlay artwork (.AI preferred; .DWG, .DXF is acceptable)

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Silicone Rubber Keypads

• 3D CAD file (File format: .STEP, .IGS, .SLDPRT (SolidWorks 2016))
• Product drawing (File format: .PDF, .DWG, .DXF)
  • Product drawing should include:
    • All critical mechanical dimensions for inspection
    • Durometer specification (Shore A)
    • Color specifications (Pantone Matching System preferred)
    • Type of switch (carbon pill or metal domes)
    • Switch actuation force
    • Circuit material
      • Rigid printed circuit board
      • Polyimide flex printed circuit
      • Polyester circuit with silver conductive ink
    • Interface method (SMT connector or tail)
      • Tail length
      • Tail termination method
        • ZIF
        • Female connector
        • Solder tabs
      • Tail pitch (if required)
      • Pinout and PIN 1 location
    • Backlighting requirements (if required)
    • Shielding requirements (if required)
    • Environmental/sealing requirements (IP rating, UV protection, etc)
• Key top artwork (.AI preferred; .DWG, .DXF is acceptable)

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Graphic Overlays

• Product drawing (File formats: .PDF, .DWG, .DXF)
  • Product drawing should include:
    • Mechanical dimensions of finished part
    • Overlay material and finish
    • Color specifications (Pantone Matching System preferred)
    • Embossing requirements (type and location)
      • Rim emboss
      • Pillow emboss
    • Rear adhesive requirements
• Graphic overlay artwork (.AI preferred; .DWG, .DXF is acceptable)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Quick Links

• Why are data requirements important for user interface projects?
• What information is typically required for a membrane switch design?
• What design files are needed for silicone rubber keypads?
• What electrical information is required for SMART user interfaces?
• What file formats are commonly accepted for user interface development projects?

Why are data requirements important for user interface projects?

Complete design data allows engineering teams to accurately assess product requirements, prepare detailed quotations, perform manufacturability reviews, and identify potential design concerns before production begins.

What information is typically required for a membrane switch design?

Membrane switch projects generally require product drawings, material specifications, color requirements, switch type, tail and connector details, embossing requirements, backlighting specifications, environmental requirements, and graphic overlay artwork.

What design files are needed for silicone rubber keypads?

Silicone rubber keypad projects typically require 3D CAD models, detailed product drawings, durometer specifications, actuation force requirements, circuit interface details, environmental requirements, and keytop artwork files.

What electrical information is required for SMART user interfaces?

SMART user interface projects often require schematics, I/O block diagrams, power requirements, communications protocols, signal definitions, throughput requirements, data retention requirements, and any testing or certification specifications.

What file formats are commonly accepted for user interface development projects?

Commonly accepted formats include PDF, DWG, and DXF files for drawings and schematics, AI files for artwork, and STEP, IGS, or SLDPRT files for 3D CAD models used in keypad and enclosure development.

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