Backlighting Panels Come In Super Thin Sizes September 2002 Issue Published Date: September 01, 2002
A new single-layer UniGlo fiber optic panel is 0.013'' thick and are used in backlighting membrane switches, LCDs, keyboards, and other products. The rugged, long-life, thin panels are said to deliver uniform lighting free of heat and EMI. With an operating temperature range from -40°C to +80°C, these plastic optical fiber backlighting panels are unaffected by extremes in humidity or temperature. Shock, vibration and hazardous environments are said to be no problem. A 3''-wide, single-layer panel can be lit with one LED as a light source. When used to backlight LCDs, the panel slides behind the LCD glass and the tail is connected to the pc board-mounted LED. When used to backlight flat-panel membrane switch overlays, the product is placed between the translucent keyboard overlay and the membrane switch. Pricing starts at $0.50 to $0.70 per sq. in. in production quantities. POLY-OPTICAL PRODUCTS INC., Irvine, CA. (949) 250-8557.
