What Is Firmware in Touchscreens?

Jun 11, 2021

Touchscreens require more than just hardware to detect and respond to touch commands; they require software as well. Firmware is one of the most important types of software in touchscreens. From capacitive and resistive to surface acoustic wave (SAW and infrared (IR) grid, all touchscreens are designed with firmware. It’s an essential type of software that allows touchscreens to perform their intended function. What is firmware in touchscreens exactly?

Overview of Firmware

The term “firmware” refers to any software that’s designed to read and control a specific hardware component. Computers, for instance, often have a BIOS. The BIOS is considered firmware because it allows users to control the computer. It’s important to note that most types of firmware offer low-level controls. In other words, you can’t use them to perform all controls. Firmware only offers a few control options that correspond with a specific hardware component.

The Basics of Touchscreen Firmware

Touchscreens have firmware as well. Many touchscreens have a similar BIOS as computers. If there’s a problem with your touchscreen’s operating system (OS), you may be able to restore your touchscreen to factory settings through the BIOS. Touchscreens are equipped with a BIOS that serves the same low-level control purposes as the BIOS in computers.

Some touchscreens also have firmware for their touch controller. The touch controller is a hardware component that’s designed to convert analog touch signals into digital signals. In other words, it will detect your touch commands. You can use the touch controller’s firmware to control this component.

Why Touchscreen Firmware Is Important

Without firmware, you may experience technical problems with your touchscreen that prevent you from using it. Like with all computers, touchscreen OSs can become corrupt. If your touchscreen’s OS becomes corrupt, you may not be able to turn on your touchscreen — at least not without going through the firmware. The firmware offers basic controls, including factory settings restoration. You can essentially revert your touchscreen to its original factory settings by accessing the firmware.

In Conclusion

After reading this, you should have a better understanding of firmware in touchscreens. All touchscreens have firmware. Touchscreen firmware is a class of software that offers low-level controls for a hardware component. It doesn’t offer full controls. Rather, touchscreen firmware only offers a few basic and low-level controls. Nonetheless, it’s an important part of all touchscreens.

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