TE Connectivity has introduced a miniature ALCOSWITCH Blue Series pushbutton switch. Its internal snap-action mechanism combines compact dimensions with fast switching and clear tactile and audible feedback indicating that the switch has been properly pressed, according to the company. Applications cover power and signal. The pushbutton switch is available in SPDT, DPDT (single- or double-pole, double-throw) configurations with push on or push off or momentary function. The internal contacts are brass with a silver inlay; optional gold plating is available for signal transmission up to 60mA at 30V DC. The silver inlay contacts have an initial resistance of less than or equal to 10mΩ at 125V AC, at 1A at 2 to 4V DC.
For the gold plated version, the contact resistance is less than or equal to 20mΩ at 100mA at 2 to 4V DC. Available with the silver inlay brass contacts the pushbuttons switch is rated for up to 250V AC at 1.5A for European applications and for up to 125V AC at 3A for North American applications, says the company. Due to the fast contact travel, the silver inlay version electric lifecycle is 25,000 cycles at load, and 50,000 cycles at load for the gold plated version. This compares to the UL requirement of 6,000 cycles at load.
The pushbutton switch functions according to the break-before-make principle. The pushbutton switch transfers the movable contact from one position to the other with high speed, which helps to reduce arcing and bounce. Applications that can pose this type of HMI requirement include industrial, medical, general instrumentation, communication equipment, and control equipment.
The pushbutton switch with snap-action mechanism operates between -20 and +80°C. The epoxy sealed switch terminals are available either with wire lugs or in a PC board mount design. The switch case is made from UL94V-0 epoxy resin. The frame is stainless steel. Caps are available in many colours and two outer diameters.
