Esd-protected interface panel and associated methods

Abstract

The invention provides an ESD-protected interface panel. A signal board has one or more circuit layers and at least one button switch on a first side of the board. An electrical output (e.g., an electrical cable and/or connector) connects in circuit with the board and switch, and the signal board generates signals on the electrical output indicative of activation of the button switch. An ESD protection layer covers the button switch and substantially all of the first side. The ESD layer is deformable to human touch to activate the switch therethrough. The ESD layer electrically couples with one or more contacts covering at least part of the second side, such that ESD generated by the human touch is routed to chassis ground connected to the contacts. Preferably, the ESD layer bends around edges of the signal board to form the contacts in a single conductive layer. An indication layer, e.g., formed of polycarbonate material, preferably covers the ESD layer over the first side with embossed graphics over the button switch. The indication layer is deformable to human touch whereby pressing the embossed graphics deforms the indication layer, and thus the ESD protection layer, and activates the button switch therebelow. An adhesive (e.g., a double sided adhesive layer, or glue) covers at least part of the second side of the signal board, except for the contacts, so that the panel is easily bonded to electrical equipment, with the contacts coupling to chassis ground. The invention provides enhanced ESD protection even with various electrical components electrically coupled with the signal board, such as LEDs and other button switches, and further permits windowing through the panel to view directly the underlying electrical equipment.