Electrostatic Digitizers Performance with
Color LCD Displays
By Robert G. Kable, MBA, BSEE
Scriptel Corporation
The Problem
The color liquid crystal displays (LCDs)
found in today's laptop computers create
significant high frequency noise that makes
character recognition and other functions of
pen-based computing difficult for many digi-
tizing technologies. Color LCD displays oper-
ate at high speeds and require higher band-
widths than monochrome displays. Because of
their design, electrostatic digitizers should
have inherent immunity to high frequency
noise as opposed to other digitizers. Therefore,
electrostatic digitizers should operate without
degradation in this environment.
Scrip tel conducted a series of tests to deter-
mine how its electrostatic digitizers would
operate with color LCDs found in laptop
computers. This paper discusses the results of
those tests and the technology utilized which
makes electrostatic digitizers a logical choice
for use in high-noise environments.
1-2MM
:::-l_
GLASS
DIGITIZER
_ __;::s:::..;~=--,
_f'
lA~E~ -----l...::::--___:::"""-<::::'
HAU£:,~1~ -------""---.=--
Fig. 1 Scriptel Digitizer
1
Design Elements of Electrostatic
Digitizers
Scriptel has developed a single layer trans-
parent electrostatic digitizer which exhibits a
high degree of immunity to backlight and
display noise. The digitizer operates on analog
resistive, electrostatic principles. The
digitizer's construction is soda lime glass or
polycarbonate plastic coated on the backside
by a thin layer of indium-tin oxide (ITO). The
transparent digitizer is mounted on the face of
a flat panel display and provides the addi-
tional benefits of a protective cover for the
LCD display.
The ITO coating creates a resistive matrix,
and a silkscreened silver conductor pattern
connects the four corners of the panel to the
digitizer controller. The digitizer circuitry
drives the resistive ITO layer with a 115KHz
sine wave. Analog switches distribute drive
signals to the four corners of the resistive
layer, creating an AC voltage gradient which
alternates between the x andy axes of the
panel. When this voltage is applied to the
sensor panel, the coating provides the map for
decoding the pen position.
DIGITIZER
CIRCUITRY
 Several factors contribute to the electro-
static digitizer's ability to tolerate the noise
and emissions found in high bandwidth envi-
ronments, and its ability to perform with low
levels of coordinate jitter:
·location (pen position) is determined by a
• Electrostatic digitizers operate at a very
narrow bandwidth reducing any problems
associated with high-frequency noise.
• Scriptel digitizers are designed to have
edge-to-edge impedance in the range of
1000 to 2000 ohms.
• Scriptel digitizers determine the location of
the pen tip on the sensor panel by normaliz-
ing the coordinates. Two readings are taken
for both the x andy coordinates. The ratio of
the x coordinates and the ratio of they
coordinates provide final coordinates that
are free from absolutes and thus indepen-
dent of electronic variations, temperature
differences, and changes in system gain.
Theory of Operation
Figure 2 gives the schematic equivalent to
the Scriptel tablet.
I~
X
Fig. 2 Schematic Equivalent of Scriptel Digitizer
where:
x = the horizontal distance from the edge
of the tablet to the pen tip.
Cc = coupling capacitance between tablet
and pen
RT(X) = tablet resistance
Vnoiac = LCD noise sources
C"" = coupling capacitance between display
and tablet
2
Vpen = ftx)
In the Scriptel digitizer, the coordinate
series of four voltage measurements. Each
measurement is made using a different drive
or excitation configuration on the sensor
panel. The four configurations used are
• The left side of the tablet is grounded and
drive voltage is applied to the right side.
The voltage sensed by the pen is measured
and referenced as VXP.
• The right side of the tablet is grounded and
drive voltage is applied to the left side. The
pen voltage is measured and referenced as
VXM·
• The bottom side of the tablet is grounded
and drive voltage is applied to the top side.
The pen voltage is measured and referenced
as Vyp.
• The top side of the tablet is grounded and
drive voltage is applied to the bottom side.
The pen voltage is measured and referenced
as VYM.
The pen location is derived from these four
voltage measurements:
V.xp- VXM
X=---
V.xp+ VXM
Vyp- VYM
V=---
Vyp+ VYM
When this model is extended to include the
effects of display noise, (the effects ofVnoise
and C08 from Fig. 2 are included) each mea-
surement of the received pen signal will have
two components:
Vpen(drive) - The contribution of the pen signal
from the tablet drive voltage.
Vpen(noise) - The contribution of the pen signal
from the noise (display) source.
Vpen = Vpen(drive) + Vpen(noise)
Thus the signal-to-noise ratio of the receive Test Conducted
signal will be A Scriptel sensor panel was mounted onto
the display of a commercially available laptop
Ypen(drive)
S /N (pen)=----
with an active matrix color LCD. The output
leads of the digitizers were connected to a
Vpen(noise)
Hewlett Packard 3588A Spectrum analyzer.
Since the system detects the pen signal as The digitizer tablet was not grounded.
the energy in a very narrow frequency band, Tests were conducted with a typical Win-
V drive • k1
Vpen(drive) =
dows® screen displayed and then a constantly
moving screen saver displayed with similar
where k1 is the coupling coefficient between results.
the tablet and pen and may be treated as a Figure 3 shows the tablet with the HP
constant. For the noise contribution 3588A connected.
Figure 4 shows broad-band noise voltage on
an unterminated panel.
where k2 is the attenuation that results from
Cos and RT(x)·
For the Scriptel STYLUS

system, Rr is typi-
) ·2 f.M/1
cally less than 2000 ::--<......
ohms and Cos is in -~-----=~~­
GLASS
DIGITIZER

picofarads. This SPECTRUM

ANALYZER
resultant attenuation
indicates that the
system will have a
self-shielding effect.
Fig. 3 Scriptel Digitizer Connected to HP3588A

Range: 0 dBm 4-Nov-1992 B: 27

Res BW: 150 Hz VBW: Off Swp Time: 222.21 Sec
A: SWEPT SPECTRUM Mkr 125 010 Hz -53 19 dBm
0
dBm

Log Mag

10 dB
/div

~
~
~ rf\
~f\l ~~~' I~ ~~ J id
v-v ,,rl¥ II IIW
~ W··
!"VII> ·~ ~ ~
-100
Start: 10 Hz Stop: 10 000 000 Hz
REF

Fig. 4 Broad-band Noise \bltage on Unterminated Panel

3
Thus the signal-to-noise ratio of the receive Test Conducted
signal will be A Scriptel sensor panel was mounted onto
the display of a commercially available laptop
Vpen(drive)
with an active matrix color LCD. The output
S /N (pen)=----
leads of the digitizers were connected to a
Vpen(noise)
Hewlett Packard 3588A Spectrum analyzer.
Since the system detects the pen signal as The digitizer tablet was not grounded.
the energy in a very narrow frequency band, Thsts were conducted with a typical Win-
V drive • k1
Vpen(drive) =
dows® screen displayed and then a constantly
moving screen saver displayed with similar
where k 1 is the coupling coefficient between results.
the tablet and pen and may be treated as a Figure 3 shows the tablet with the HP
constant. For the noise contribution 3588A connected.
k1 • k2
Vpen(noise) = Vnoise •
Figure 4 shows broad-band noise voltage on
an unterminated paneL
where k2 is the attenuation that results from
Cos and Rrcx>· ....--------------------------...,
For the Scriptel STYlUS

system, Rr is typi-
12 MM
cally less than 2000
ohms and Cos is in
pico farads. This SPECTRUM
ANALYZER
resultant attenuation
indicates that the
system will have a
self-shielding effect.
Fig. 3 Scriptel Digitizer Connected to HP3588A

Range: 0 dBm 4-Nov-1992 B: 27

Res BW: 150 Hz VBW: Off Swp Time: 222.21 Sec
A: SWEPT SPECTRUM Mkr 125 010 Hz -53 19 dBm
0
dBm

LogMag

10 dB
/div

~
~
~:~ ~
11\f~r\ Nl.~ l IJ{ l~ J II
v~
! '
l,~w II nw ~ ~A tJ. . \MJ ~~
-100
Start: 10 Hz Stop: 10 000 000 Hz
REF

Fig. 4 Broad-band Noise lbltage on Unterminated Panel

3
 Figure 5 shows narrow-band noise voltage shows effects of self-shielding and circuit
on an unterminated panel. signal conditioning.
Figure 6 shows the received pen signal (115
KHz) in an operational system. This figure

Range: o dBm 4-Nov-1992 8: 34

Res BW: 36 Hz VBW: Off Swp Time: 96.67 Sec
A: SWEPT SPECTRUM Mkr 122 505 Hz -79 26 d8m
~l
0
dBm
I I I

I
Log Mag

10 dB
/div

\
\\
~
I f\ ~ J ~ '\ I

u ~V
~~
"fir,'
\J\1~.t \ ..,..,.,
"'¥\

-100
Start: 10 Hz Stop: 250 000 Hz
REF

Fig. 5 Narrow-band Noise '\bltage on Unterminated Panel

Range: 0 dBm 4-Nov-1992 9: 49

Res BW: 36 Hz VBW: Off Swp Time: 96.67 Sec
A: SWEPT SPECTRUM Mkr 115 005 Hz -18 43 dBm
0
dBm

Log Mag

10 dB
/div

I \
J \
v
-100
~~~~ ~~~AM
Start:
I"

10 Hz
IliA I~-
Ill
-, I r
d

'·
-~
IJUl.JI.&L,W,..r
'I'VT
I.
ffll 'fY rrW
250 000 Hz
I

Fig. 6 Pen Signal Received from Digitizer Operating in High-Noise Environment

4
Implications for Pen-based
Computing
As the tests have indicated, Scriptel digitiz-
ers exhibit a high degree of immunity to
display-generated noise. This characteristic is
especially important when executing charac-
ter or handwriting recognition. Reduced
coordinate jitter from high system noise
immunity results in increased speed and
accuracy of recognition.
Figure 7 graphs the coordinate pairs re-
ceived from a character drawn in a high-noise
environment. The larger character is a 4X
enlargement of the character drawn. Note
coordinate jitter is minimized due to the high
quality signal received.
In addition to transmitting a clean signal,
other factors contribute to the Scriptel tablet's
amenability to integration with pen-based
computing applications:
Clear Draw Coord's
Fig. 7 Graph of Coordinate Pairs Received from Digitizer Operating in High-Noise Environment
5
• The resistive coating is on the underside of
the transparent sensor panel, creating a
durable tablet.
• The panel is designed to serve as both the
sensor itself and as the protective covering
over the flat panel display, limiting the
number of components required.
• Since electrostatic digitizers perform with-
out degradation even when used with high
bandwidth color LCDs, the need for shield-
ing, additional filtering, and other modifica-
tions are eliminated, further reducing the
number of components required.
• Cursor steering can be performed without
physically touching the sensor surface. This
permits the use of panel overlays and allows
the use of non-skid, plastic material in the
stylus tip.
Zview Exit
• Scriptel's digitizers have four connections to
the computer and therefore can be inte-
grated directly into existing laptop and
notebook computers. The shape and size of
the sensor panel can be custom manufac-
tured and a variety of options can be se-
lected to meet the needs of a particular
application.
• Scriptel's technology is easily scalable so
designs can be extended across a family of
products, reducing development costs and
time to market.
The table below gives the technical charac-
teristics for Scriptel tablets.

• Custom sizes and/or designs are done in

artwork, eliminating the cost and lead time
for hard tooling for samples or prototypes.

Technical Characteristics for Scriptel Tablets

Performance
Resolution 500 points per inch, typical (4,096 counts full scale)
Accuracy +1- 0.010 in (0.25 mm) maximum, over 100% of display area,
typical accuracy 0.002 in
Data rate 200 coordinate pairs per second, standard
Noise Less than +1- 114 pixel, maximum, for any type of display
Interface Parallel or RS-232 serial
Power 40 to 100 m W, typical
Mechanical
Dimensions Per customer specification
Sensor panel thickness 0.040 in to 0.125 in (1 to 3 mm), typical
Sensor panel options Non-glare etch, plastic laminate backing (added strength)
Active digitizing area 0.4 in peripheral border (typical)
Connection to sensor panel Four conductor, flex circuit
Optical Characteristics
No perceptual loss (less than 0.5%) ofvisible light transmission when compared to plain
glass LCD cover
Stylus Characteristics
Switch options Tip switch, optional barrel switch
Tip action force 28 grams
Tip switch travel 0.002 in (0.05 mm)
Tilt error +1- 0.010 in (0.25 mm) at 45 degrees
Stylus package Corded and cordless configuration, standard or custom stylus
finish

6
Conclusion
Scriptel tablets have inherent immunity to
high frequency noise because of self shielding
and circuit signal conditioning. Coupled with
their other physical and operational charac-
teristics, they are a logical choice for integra-
tion into pen-based computing applications.
By using Scriptel's technology, many devel-
opment problems are simplified, such as the
elimination of the need to add filtering and
shielding. Scriptel's flexibility will reduce
future development effort required to adapt to
new display system designs. Therefore, the
time, effort, and expense of getting a new
product to market can be significantly re-
duced.
Scriptel has many standard digitizer glass
sizes readily available ranging in size from
147 mm x 120 mm to 294 mm x 228 mm
(outside dimensions). Custom sizes are easily
accommodated due to the simplicity of
Scriptel's technology. In addition to the corded
pen technology in use today, Scri ptel is devel-
oping a cordless pen technology for use with
its transparent digitizers.
Scriptel has evaluation products available
which can provide further insight into imple-
menting Scriptel digitizer products into prod-
uct designs. The PenWriter and Scriptel
Development Kits are available to provide
evaluation tools for Scriptel's products.

'lb talk with a representative about how Scriptel's digitizers can perform with your products,
please contact Scriptel at the address and phone listed below.

Scriptel Corporation
4145 Arlingate Plaza
Columbus, Ohio 43228

Telephone: (614) 276-8402

Fax: (614) 276-7615

7
 I~
~~ATION
4145 Arlingate Plaza
Columbus, Ohio 43228

Telephone: (614) 276-8402

Fax: (614) 276-7615