Technologies

Communication protocol is a system of rules that allows two or more entities of a communications system to transmit information. In general, the implementation of a chip on a PCB including a layer of software dedicated to the application is used to allow communication. When you have an external partner designing your remote control or complete dashboard, it is important that the custom-designed piece of equipment can just be plugged into your system architecture without a problem. We understand that each industry has its own preference for communication protocols, therefore at APEM, regardless of your industry, you can obtain a protocol that can speak to your system. Below are the most commonly requested communication protocols. Please contact us if your needed protocol is not listed.

Secure your access control or activate your application with biometric verification. A fingerprint sensor ensures that only authorized people have access to your workstation, vehicle, or area.In addition, it allows saving information on who and when someone has accessed the application. Features: Ready when you are Reads fingerprint from all angles Adapts to the changing condition of fingerprints (seasons, cuts, etc.) Low power consumption Application areas: Access controls Material handling machinery Rental Equipment

Control panels created with MEC switches provide high-end performance, like panel sealing, excellent illumination, durability and a touch of elegance. Large selection of standard caps and accessories Military grade robustness Long lifetime with >10.000.000 cycles Customization in one switch, no worry about different behind panel heights APPLICATIONS Keyboards based on MEC PCB switches are used in application areas where both high performance and aesthetic design are important, such as: Communications Medical Food processing CUSTOMIZATION AND INTEGRATION MEC product range is built on modularity. Therefore there a many customization possibilities: Size, shape, height and color of the cap Marking Actuation force Function (NO or NC/NO) Illumination Surface feel Panel sealing Navigational solutions

Mixing the advantages of both capacitive technology and mechanical push in order to provide your HMI a new look - together with the endless possibilities provided by electronics for the control and illumination scenarios. The number and the position of large 18 mm round keys are totally customizable, just like illumination and marking. The customer can create a tailor-made keypad for his application.Customization possibilitiesDimensionsLayout /markingIlluminated halo and function light (color, blinking, … )Back material /coverMechanical fixationsContact: normally close or long press detectionOutputs: Communication protocol, cable and connectorApplicationsThe robust and sealed construction of this control panel ensures reliable use even in harsh environments.Outdoor securityIndustrial processSpecial vehiclesMain featuresMetal front frame (stainless steel 316L)18 mm round keys: number/position, Illumination & marking customizableRobust & SealedMulti keys & Long press possibleLong life: “metal capacitive”

APEM develops and produces rubber keypads. This technology has the following advantages: Custom ergonomics with low investment cost Dedicated custom electronics on product PCB Possible mix of shapes, colors and key dimensions on the same productAPPLICATIONSAPEM supplies rubber keypads for diversified applications such as: Agricultural machinery Road vehicles Defense Aerospace MAIN FEATURES From basic sealing to IP69K sealing with custom design and construction Custom dedicated electronics with possible integration of CAN, USB or RS422 connection for example Backlighting option Good sealing level when combined with a plastic housing Good tactile feedback and flexible key configuration Possible combination with a front panel for design variety Standard, hidden or specific markings Standard product available: KP6 6-key keypad with or without CANBus

APEM develops and produces capacitive keyboards. These keyboards meet the requirements of industrial and professional markets as well as the trends of the consumer market: Modern, attractive and smooth interface Easy to clean Very robust No mechanical wear Water sealed and immune to wavesMade of polycarbonate or glass filled materials, these keypads meet the strict requirements of critical applications including shock resistance. APPLICATIONSCapacitive keyboards find applications in the following fields: Medical Security and access control Industry High-end equipmentMAIN FEATURES AND CUSTOMIZATION Based on the capacitive technology, with dedicated electronics Technology applicable to individual keys, sliders and wheels Resistant to harsh environments, EMI shielded Protected against flowing or splashing water Dedicated electronics, can be combined with communication protocols (CANBus, USBÉ) Specific interface design, adaptation to customer mechanical constraints

APEM piezoelectric keypads combine pressure-sensitive keys and visually attractive design. Offering the highest level of sealing against water and dust, these keypads have no electrical consumption at rest and require a real touch to be activated. Smooth aluminum front face for a modern design Easy to clean Protected against water, dust and frost Wear-free No risk of unintentional activation by wind or water No consumption APPLICATIONSPiezoelectric keypads find applications in environments requiring absolute sealing when the capacitive technology is not adapted due to the risk of unintentional activation: Public environment, free access terminals Medical Access controlCUSTOMIZATION AND INTEGRATIONOur piezoelectric keypads are highly customizable: Front face dimensions Anodization color Long life marking Backlighting Front or rear mounting Connection, possibility to combine the keypad with an emergency stop, for example Electronics: choice of communication protocols RS232, CAN, USB, LIN...

Membrane switch panels are made of several layers of polyester printed and assembled together. They allow to create a custom human-machine interface at a reasonable price with low investment cost. Entirely customizable graphic design Choice of all other elements Reduced space requirement (thickness of some mm) The most affordable control systemOur ISO 9001 and ISO 14000 certified factories allow us to supply high quality membrane switch panels meeting the requirements of demanding applications. Switch panels carry out switching functions that enhance the final product with a tailored decorative appearance. The switch panels can be directly connected to the electronic equipment by a flexible tail termination and consist of several layers of polyester and adhesive.Applications Since 1984, APEM has acquired experience and has qualified many materials and techniques allowing to meet a great diversity of applications and needs in the following sectors: Medical Industrial automation Material handling Agricultural machinery Distinctive featuresTactile feedback: integration of snap domes with different forces Visual feedback by integration of LEDs Key embossing Indestructible marking printed on rear of upper polyester layer Sealing up to IP65/IP67 and resistance to salt spray Long life: up to 1 million cycles Connection and output interface: choice of connector and pitch.Its vertical integration allows APEM to meet the needs of various companies for small or large production runs with a quality level conforming to the highest standards. APEM assists its customers in the choice of the technology suiting their needs. Contact us for a quotation! Standard product available:EM series | Enhanced membrane keypad

APEM metal keypads/keyboards combine the highest level of resistance to vandalism (up to IK10) and a modern and visually attractive design. Designed for the harshest environments, they are weather proof and can withstand most corrosive agents. Metal keypads/keyboards have a modular construction which allows customization with a relatively short prototyping time. They are made of standard elements developed by APEM and can also integrate other components (joysticks, indicators, switches). Modular construction based on standard V, PR and PQ series Modern stainless steel/aluminum design Long life High resistance to harsh environments On request, integration of specific electronics: protocols, USB interfaceÉ Features Uniform backlighting, no visual fatigue, choice of color Choice of shape and number of keys With or without frame Custom product at a reasonable priceTypical applications For many years, APEM has produced metal keypads/keyboards for the following applications: Self-service machines (car park access, vending machines for transport tickets or other) Access control (interphonesÉ) Industrial automation (control panels, industrial remote controls...) High end products (cars, yachts, high tech, luxury...) Customization and integrationOur metal keypads/keyboards are highly customizable: Backlighting color and intensity Key shape and size Marking type and position, embossing/braille option Long life marking with high abrasion resistance Connection, possible combination with an emergency stop High resistance to harsh environments: up to IP69K and IK10 With or without frame depending on type of integration Color of front face: black anodized, aluminum, stainless steel Electronics: choice of communication protocols RS232, CAN, USB, LIN Standard products available: V series - the most robust PR series - compact design with round keys PQ series - compact design with square keysOther products are available on request, from standard to 100 % custom. Contact us with your project!