Zytronic’s innovative touch sensors incorporated into new public interactive display range from Mentor Distribution

UK-based, Mentor is a specialist supplier of large format touchscreen/display assemblies focussed on the public information and hospitality sectors. It is an NEC-accredited solutions provider and an authorised touchscreen integrator for Mitsubishi. Its solutions are predesigned allowing them to be sourced rapidly, with a broad array of options available so customers can specify the best match for their specific requirements.

Through this collaboration, Mentor will be able to benefit from the PCT-based sensors’ resilience to harsh environmental conditions (such as high humidity, water ingress, and exposure to shock or vibration), and their ability to offer continued accurate and responsive drift-free operation without concerns about having to carry out costly maintenance or recalibration activities.

The patented PCT sensing mechanism is unique, enabling projective capacitive sensors to be deployed in much larger form factors than previously possible. It consists of a matrix of micro-fine capacitors arranged into a grid which is then embedded into a durable laminated glass substrate. With the sensing elements mounted behind the front surface, the screens operation are unaffected by scratches, rain, ice, oil and dust. Furthermore, the highly sensitive frequency modulation technique used by PCT sensors means that they may also be positioned behind, and operate through, an additional thick protective overlay of glass or plastic, making them capable of deployment in the most demanding, damage prone industrial and public access environments.

“Incorporation of Zytronic’s PCT-based touch sensor products into the touchscreen/display assemblies we offer has proved highly advantageous, as they are able to cope with high brightness conditions, are vandal resistant and can be operated through gloved hands,” says Tom Thornton, Sales Manager for Mentor Distribution. “They are now being utilised in our display solutions of sizes ranging from 23-inch to 82-inch, and we are seeing particularly strong uptake for them in hospital, military, medical, government sectors, as well as garages and car show rooms,” he continues. “Furthermore our team has received first class technical support from Zytronic, enabling these sensors to be designed in easily.”


“The high degree of durability offered by PCT, and its resistance to both accidental and deliberate damage, as well as general wear and tear, means that it is an optimised touch technology for all industrial and public applications, including outdoor use,” Ian Crosby, Sales & Marketing Director at Zytronic adds. “The sensors are complemented by the new higher performance ZXY100 touch controller, allowing faster response times, greater accuracy and, through its support for Windows® 7, provision for multi-touch functionality.”