Programmable LCD push-button switches and control panels
[E³] is the leading developer and manufacturer of RGB-backlit LCD push-button switches for control panels in broadcasting, military and industrial applications.
[E³] is the leading developer and manufacturer of RGB-backlit LCD push-button switches for control panels in broadcasting, military and industrial applications.
Fully programmable LCD display switches with over 1 million RGB colors in a push-button design
Control panels designed to your specifications
with custom layouts, interfaces and protocols
[E³] Engstler Elektronik Entwicklung GmbH has pioneered innovations in the LCD Key Technology since we developed the first programmable LCD switch.
Our engineering department works closely with our supply chain partners to ensure that our products reflect our continuous improvement philosophy while maintaining product availability and compatibility for our installed base.
[E³] was founded with the express intention to develop and market the first RGB-backlit LCD switch. The first AT switches featured 64 RGB colors, which were quickly expanded to over 10,000 calibrated colors. Our proprietary in-production calibration process eliminated not only the need for color sorting, but expanded the utility of the switches by allowing uniform colors across large production panels in dark operating environments such as television studios. With the introduction of the extended command sets we expanded the available color range to over 1 million background colors. At the same time, our unique control electronics allow for compensation of LED aging over time significantly extending the lifetime usefulness of our switches.
This illustration of the CIE Chromaticity chart shows the RGB color space that can be generated by mixing the light from the red, green and blue LEDs.
Our switches feature graphic transmissive or inverse transflective FTSN LCD displays with resolutions of 32x16 for the SA3216, 36x24 for the SA3624 and 64x32 for the SA6432, SB6432 and SM6432 switches respectively. The graphic LCDs allow for the display of black & white bitmaps (pixels on or off) as well as bitmapped text. Our CC0064 controller supports dynamic ASCII text displays by either transmitting dynamic text or transmitting a background image from memory plus dynamic text.
AT commands introduced keyswitch ID and serial number read commands so that individual switches can be identified and their production and calibration data verified. The extended commands introduced key grouping and display parameter settings for even more utility in demanding applications.
From the outset we emphasized backwards compatibility to the previous generation of LCD switches we had developed before founding [E³]. This Legacy Mode™ allows our customers to integrate the SA3624 switches into legacy systems originally designed for the Screenkeys LC24.2 Trend switches. Our switches are capable of reading the legacy protocol and convert it internally for our data format and control electronics with only a timing and data word adjustment. As a result the SA3216 and SA3624 switches from [E³] offer a pin- and command-compatible replacement option for customers currently using LC16 and LC24 switches. The Legacy Mode™ allows for drop-in replacement without the need for any hardware changes. SA switches self-initialize and do not require a permanent clock. Former Screenkeys customers using either the LC24.2 Trend or RGB24T switches may use software commands to switch to the Andvanced Technology mode which utilizes the full RGB color spectrum. This uses the SA protocol to a greater degree while maintaining pin- and command compatibility. SB3624 switches offer a full Advanced Technology™ protocol for increased data rates and additional AT commands. These switches are pin-compatible to Screenkeys but rely on the more advanced AT protocol scheme.
If you have any questions regarding compatibility of our full range of RGB-backlit LCD switches including the higher resolution SA6432 switches, please contact us.
This Legacy Mode™ is described in more details here.
The Sxnnnn switches feature a large viewing window. The internal electronics require only six contacts for 2 wire SPI interface. Clock, Data, Ground and 5V Power plus the two switch contact pins.
All SA/SB/SM switches feature a carbon-on-gold contact momentary switch with over-travel protection. This design has been tested to 5 million switch cycles without noticeable deterioration of the switch element. The over-travel protection ensures that the key press force is transmitted by the keycap to the PCB before the switch element is fully depressed.
The detailed description of the test performed by our UK distribution partner and keyboard specialist Devlin Electronics can be found here.
[E³] Engstler Elektronik Entwicklung GmbH was founded in 2001 to design, develop and manufacture state-of-the art RGB-backlit LCD push-button switches and control panels. As the pioneers of the LCD key technology we are building on more than 40 years of experience in the development of custom input systems.
Located in Grosswallstadt, Germany, our global network of partners and customers allows us to service clients from around the world. Our customers have integrated our LCD key technology into products servicing a wide range of industries.
Our engineering department provides product support, development assistance as well as design and production services for our custom panel customers. Continuous development and product improvements for our LCD key products ensures our customers and end users that all of our products deliver in demanding 24/7 applications and operating environments.
While [E³] was founded in 2001, our history and the LCD key technology go back to 1984.
