 April, 2006 - ELMA announces the first of a series of new switch families, the C08 miniature coded panel switch, believed to be the world¡¯s smallest coded panel switch to combine high torque tactile feedback (3 Ncm) long life (> 10,000 cycles) and compatibility with lead-free reflow soldering. Designed to offer a space-saving user control for price-sensitive mobile or handheld applications such as two-way radios, instrumentation and medical equipment, the 9 x 9 x 10 mm C08 coded panel switch offers SMD (surface mount device) mounting as standard, with Gray, Hex or Hex complement codes. The C08 maintains its high torque consistently over the rated life of 10 k cycles, and suits low profile equipment, with the operating shaft centreline only 4.65 mm from the PCB. ELMA offers threaded and plain bush variants, end-stop options, and a customisation service for medium and high volume users.
A THT (through-hole-technology) version is available on special request, and the RoHS-compliant coded switches are available in tape-and-reel packaging for fully automatic assembly. The C08 coded panel switch is based on ELMA¡¯s ultra-compact switch development programme, with further types in development for the same body size. The 10,000 cycle life and the tactile feel of the C08 provide reliable and positive operation even in difficult environments, especially since the C08 has an operating range of -40 to +85 ¢ªC, and features a tin-plated die-cast housing. Despite offering 16 positions, with or without end-stop, the C08 is only 9 x 9 x 10 mm, saving more than 25 % of the volume than the well proven ELMA Type 07 switch.
For maximum security, the tin-plated housing is designed to be reflow soldered to an additional PCB mounting pad, as well as having plated mounting lugs, with the whole assembly rated for lead-free reflow profiles up to 5 seconds at 260 ¢ªC. Switch ratings are 42 V and 10 mA at 0.12 W. Samples and full data are available on request.
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