SMT-compatible and IP67-rated switches, ideal for automotive, medical, consumer, and industrial applications.
Littelfuse, Inc. announced the release of the KSC DCT Series Tactile Switches. These compact, surface-mount technology (SMT) switches feature Dual Circuit Technology (DCT) for single pole double throw (SPDT) functionality, offering exceptional reliability, safety, and flexibility for next-generation designs.
It is the first tactile switch of its kind to provide SPDT functionality in a compact 6.2 x 6.2 x 5.2 mm package. Designed with a soft actuator, it delivers an operating force of 4.75N (±1.25N) and a lifespan of up to 300,000 cycles, ensuring durability even in harsh, dust-prone environments. Its IP67-rated sealing protects against water and dust ingress, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.
Key Features and Benefits
- SPDT Functionality: Provides two output options for improved reliability.
- Compact Design: Fits easily into space-constrained designs.
- IP67 Sealing: Ensures dependable performance in challenging environments.
- J-Bend SMT Package: Enables easy assembly with pick-and-place machines
- Cost-Effective: Ideal for high-volume manufacturing.
The automotive sector includes essential components such as door handles, EV charging stations, and two- and three-wheelers, reflecting the shift toward electric mobility and enhanced vehicle design. In the consumer electronics space, products like power tools, lawn mowers, snow blowers, and home appliances highlight the diverse range of tools and gadgets aimed at improving everyday convenience and efficiency. The medical devices industry focuses on advanced technologies, including portable medical equipment and electrosurgical instruments, which contribute to better healthcare delivery and surgical precision. In the industrial sector, critical infrastructure such as fire alarm systems and elevators, along with various other systems, play a crucial role in ensuring safety, efficiency, and operational continuity across facilities.
DCT provides two independent outputs (NC and NO) within a single switch. For example, in automotive door handles, the system remains at rest with the NC contact closed and the NO open. When activated, the NC opens, and the NO closes, triggering the desired action.
“By integrating dual-circuit technology into a compact tactile switch, we enable designers to deliver enhanced safety features to their customers,” said Jeremy Hebras, Vice President of Digital & Technical Developments at Littelfuse. “The KSC DCT switch helps monitor device status, distinguishing between operational signals and malfunctions.”
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