Mini LED-Containing Pushbuttons Use Actuator As Lightpipe

Designers faced with having to fit pushbutton switches onto pc boards already crammed with components, as well as having to meet multiple switching requirements, have new candidates that are able to meet these demands in UltraLite Series 39-7 devices. Said to be ideal for low-level switching applications, such as in audio instrumentation, computers and peripherals, telecomm equipment, and battery-operated monitors, the new pushbuttons tout: crisp operational, maintained or momentary action; clear, bright LED status indications in red, yellow and green colors, and a logic-level electrical rating of 5 vdc at 5 mA (typical).To save space in these miniature, 0.25" high x 0.30" wide pushbutton switches, the LED was inserted in chip form and made integral to the design. In addition, the actuator serves as the lightpipe, so no extra assembly is required. And to speed processing, the switch base uses a unique anchor post to make the switches wave and IR reflow soldering compatible.