Material Sciences Corporation which claims to be a leading provider of material-based solutions for electronic, acoustic/thermal, and coated metal applications, today announced it is supplying "field effect" touch switches to Toshiba for its new 57" Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCOS) projection television.

Toshiba wanted a dramatic interface to enhance its superior LCOS display technology. The company accomplished this by placing the 'field effect' touch switches behind the 57" diagonal anti-reflective coated glass panel. The result is a seamless, clean look and a significant advancement in the industry.

How "Field Effect" technology works: The "field effect" technology consists of a patented sensor that operates as a 5-volt, digital, stand-alone, software-free switch. The switch works by generating an electronic field above and below the surface of the substrate to which it is attached -- typically glass or plastic. As a finger enters the field, it triggers the switch. This technology has many benefits. Since the switch has adjustable sensitivity levels, it can be fine-tuned to meet the requirements of each specific application. The sensor is solid state with no moving parts. The switch is mounted entirely behind the glass or plastic panel, which protects it from the environment and operating abuse that often damages mechanical or membrane switches.