Direct connect single layer touch panel

An input device comprising:

• a first substrate upon which columns of sensor elements, rows of sensor elements, and traces associated with each sensor element are formed in a single layer of a conductive material;
• and
• a connecting board attached through a plurality of pads to a plurality of the traces on the first substrate, the connecting board comprising a second substrate, different from the first substrate, the connecting board including a plurality of vias electrically coupled to the pads and routing formed on the connecting board and coupled to the vias, the routing arranged to electrically connect each of a plurality of discrete sensor elements in a row of the first substrate to one another while providing electrical isolation from sensor elements and traces associated with other rows.

A method for electrically connecting traces formed on a single layer on one side of a first substrate, comprising:

• forming a plurality of pads on a connecting board for attaching to the first substrate, the connecting board comprising a second substrate, different from the first substrate;
• forming a plurality of vias in the connecting board, each via electrically coupled to at least one of the plurality of pads, and forming routing on the connecting board and coupled to the vias, the routing arranged to electrically connect each of a plurality of discrete sensor elements in a row of the first substrate to one another while providing electrical isolation from sensor elements and traces associated with other rows.