Touch-Sensitive Switches Have No Moving Parts

June 21, 2007

With no moving parts and insensitivity to liquid spills and other contaminants, the rugged, touch-sensitive switches in ITW Switches' ActiveMetal series have a virtually unlimited life span (see figure). Based on ITW's Active Touch technology, these s

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The switches come in 19-, 22-, 30-, and 38-mm mounting diameters with 316 stainless steel or Type II anodized (clear, black, red, or green) aluminum 6061 body finishes. They feature either momentary or latching action. They're available with laser-etched custom labeling or legends on the actuator surface. ESD and RFI/EMI do not affect the ActiveMetal switches (when mounted), which operate from –40°C to 85°C.

I/O configurations are available as 5-V dc input/digital output, 5-V dc input/open-collector output, and 10- to 24-V dc input/open-collector output. The switches can be incorporated into panel thicknesses ranging from 0.762 mm (0.030 in.) to 12.70 mm (0.500 in.). They comply with IEC IP68 and RoHS. Contact the company for prices and availability.

ITW Switches • www.itwswitches.com

Relays
The AZKUP series of general-purpose plug-in relays from American Zettler Inc. includes ac coils (12 through 240 V) and dc coils (12 through 110 V). UL recognized, the relays have ac ratings that include resistive, general use, and horsepower at currents up to 13 A and voltages up to 600 V. The dc ratings are 10 A at 28 V. The relays also come with standard clear covers or clear flange-mount covers. A unique armature stop maintains adjustment. And, the relays feature a Class F insulation system. Prices start at $4.50 in quantities of 1000. Check out www.azettler.com.

The RF311 series ultra-miniature TO-5 relays are single-pole double-throw (SPDT) devices that deliver improved repeatability and performance over a dc to 8-GHz bandwidth. They come in coil voltages of 5, 12, and 26.5 V dc. Designed for use in attenuators and other RF circuits, these relays feature high resistance to electrostatic discharge, a metal enclosure for electromagnetic-interference shielding, a ground pin option, and high isolation between control and signal paths. They cost $32.22 each in quantities of 500. Lead time for delivery is 14 weeks. For more information, go to www.teledynerelays.com.

Magnecraft's 782TDR single-function, single-voltage time-delay relays feature multiple time ranges and allow mounting in a panel or on the DIN rail. A screwdriver adjustment knob allows users to choose one of seven timing ranges. A large knob on top of the relay permits fine tuning of the timing. The dual-adjustment design ensures excellent flexibility and timing accuracy. The relays are available in double-pole double-throw (DPDT) and quadruple-pole double-throw (4PDT) versions with switching capabilities of either 3 or 5 A. Standard input voltages are 24, 120, and 230 V ac. To learn more, go to www.magnecraft.com.

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