A touch sensitive electroluminiescent (EL) switch is provided in a vehicle
for actuating a vehicle accessory. A dielectric layer is adjacent to a
rear electrode layer. A phosphor layer is adjacent to the dielectric
layer. A transparent electrode layer includes a pad adjacent to the
phosphor layer, and a substantially concentric conductive trace is
adjacent to the phosphor layer and is spaced from the pad in the
transparent electrode layer. The phosphor layer is disposed between the
rear electrode layer and the pad and defines an illuminated region when
energized by a first voltage. The substantially conductive trace and the
pad cooperate to define a detection region substantially coinciding with
the illuminated region when energized by a second voltage.