Already well-known in the fields of industrial electronics, automotives and test and measurement, ITT's K6/K12 key switches now boast more new models and options as well as smaller sizes. Since the contacts are light and bent against each other, these switches offer three distinct advantages: a high degree of vibration resistance; a high life expectancy, over a million operations for the K12, and guaranteed switching.
Due to the separation of the electrical and tailor-made mechanical systems, the K6/K12 switches are able to offer distinctive tactile feedback. Contacts are made of bronze with a gold plating and are based on a unique geometry that ensures secure switching, eliminating the possibility of intermittent contacting, while at the same time ensuring that the contact is cleaned during each actuation. Both are capable of switching 0,02 mW to 3 W d.c. Switching voltage ranges from 2 V d.c. to 30 V d.c. with switching currents from 10 µA to 100 mA DC.
By separating the contact and tactile feel points, K12 switches are able to deliver in excess of 1 million cycles, while at the same time offering high switching reliability. New versions includes the K12G with two make contacts (normally open, single pole double throw); K12GOL and K12PL with one LED and several possible colours; K12DL with one LED and a balcony for a second LED; and the K12C, which is IP67 sealed by a rubber cap. Some buttons and floating caps are available for the K12 switch.
Standard travel lengths available are 1,0, 1,5 and 2,0 mm with operating forces of 2,5, 3,5 and 5N. However, the special contact systems of the K12 switch allows for variation in the button travel, the tactile snap point and operating force to a particular custom application.
K6 switches are available in four versions, with and without LED. These switches offer a significant size reduction over earlier versions, requiring a PCB space of only 10,9 by 7,4 mm with heights of 8,4 mm. New versions include an SMT-switch suitable for IR-reflow soldering.
K6 switches are momentary action, SPST (single pole, single throw), NO (normally open) devices offering a wide choice of travel lengths from 1 to 1,5 mm with standard operating force of 2, 3 and 5N. As the contact and tactile point are separate, K6 switches are able to deliver high reliability switching over a life span of over 200 000 cycles.
K12 and K6 are available with centre-positioned 3 mm T1 and argus T1-LEDs. Standard colours are yellow, green, red and orange, while white and blue are available on request. The 3 mm LEDs are ideal for illuminating a small surface on the top of the switch. The argus LEDs in combination with a reflector are used to deliver homogenous illumination of the whole key on the top of the switch.
| Tel: | +27 11 923 9600 |
| Email: | info@arrow.altech.co.za |
| www: | www.altronarrow.com |
| Articles: | More information and articles about Altron Arrow |
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