Omron – W2GJ Touch Sensor Module – PTM | DigiKey

Welcome to this Product Training Module for the Omron W2GJ Touch Sensor Module. This compact capacitive touch sensor module is easy to use and provides reliable touch detection in challenging environments.

The W2GJ enables the implementation of custom touch switches in an application by attaching the sensor’s electrode to a conductive material that forms the touch interface for the user. A hole through the electrode allows it to be easily attached with a screw, eliminating the need for a PCB. It’s designed for a wide range of industrial environments, as it’s able to operate from negative 10 to positive 60 degree Celsius and from 25 to 85 percent relative humidity.

Internally, the W2GJ features a circuit to sense the change in capacitance when a user touches the contact material. This turns on the open collector output with a 10 milliamp max output current, signaling to the controller that a touch has been detected. The sensor operates from a 5 to 15 volt DC supply with a max current consumption of 10 milliamps. It also has a 35 picofarad detection capacitance.

The W2GJ is offered in 2 variants. The W2GJ-F5 has an I-shaped electrode for mounting flush against the back of the contact material. The W2GJ-L6 has an L-shaped electrode for mounting at a right-angle, and it has a frame ground terminal. In high static environments, floating or poorly grounded systems, or other applications where static is a concern, this FG terminal provides a discharge path for static electricity, preventing it from flowing through the electrodes and into the touch switch where it can create false triggers or damage the sensitive internal circuitry.

The integrated approach of Omron’s W2GJ simplifies the implementation of touch switches in a wide range of applications. The internal circuitry handles the actual touch detection, so there’s no need to design the sensing circuit or perform sensitivity adjustments. This results in stable detection as the capacitance changes based on the level of touch, and the simple screw-mount installation and single connector allows for fast installation.

The W2GJ touch sensor module is commonly used in amusement and gaming equipment, vending machines, and household appliances. It is also used in lighting control panels and touch switches, and in industrial operator panels.