Edge-mounted switch, soldered to printed circuit board, gives direct sliding contact. In the graphic to the bottom left, conventional side push switches typically measure 4.5mm deep and require a mechanical actuator to connect the user button and the dome.
Expanding LCDs on portable electronic equipment leave less board space for switches. That's one reason many of today's handheld devices feature side-push keyblock switches. Precise alignment requirements, however, drive up manufacturing cost and assembly time.
Edge-mounted switches present a low-cost alternative. And, measuring as little as 3.0 mm deep, they save even more board space. Soldered directly to the pcb, these ultra-miniature switches offer long life (to one million cycles), a 0.25- or 0.70-mm stroke, and an operating force from 1 to 5N.
K. Takamitsu, National Panasonic, Okayama, Japan; Tel: +81 6 6908 7304; Fax: +81 6 6906 1619;PAN50232@pas.mei.co.jp
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