Following its recent exclusive licensee agreement with Duraswitch Industries, GGI International has released three new switch technologies: PushGate, Thincoder RT, and MagnaMouse. The PushGate is a revolutionary new pushbutton switch that presents all the possibilities of a standard pushbutton switch and more. Its crisp, consistent tactile feedback, coupled with its durability, reliability and its ability to be environmentally sealed, makes this technology an attractive option for most control panels.

Due to the simplicity of the armature and magnetic components used to activate the switching circuitry, PushGate integrates easily with flexible circuits or PCBs and is compatible with other switch products, including Thincoder RT and MagnaMouse.

With full key illumination capabilities, PushGate allows for easy backlight integration while maintaining its tactile feel.

Lastly, custom designs are available for multiple outputs and shielding requirements.

The name thiNcoder RT says it all.

This next generation technology is a thin, encoder rotary switch.The Thincoder RT is the only encoder in the world, which can be mounted to a flexible circuit.

The key to this technology is its possibilities for integration.

Having both pushbuttons and rotors on the same flexible circuit and panel, offers a wide range of possibilities, increased flexibility as well as significant cost advantages.

In addition, its design is truly innovative.

Its gold plated balls in conjunction with magnets and a flexible circuit, opens and closes the circuit as the knob is turned.

This friction free process provides greater durability compared to other similar technologies.

The MagnaMouse multidirectional switch provides unlimited motion capabilities.

This next-generation technology can replace current products such as computer cursors, game controls, joystick controls, temperature settings and many other electronic devices that use a multi directional switch.

The simple design of MagnaMouse, an armature with a centre pivot point, offers durability and cost advantages.

Furthermore, its simple flat panel integration allows for digital or analogue designs.

A new patented optical trackerball device that will operate fully immersed in liquid is now available from Micromark C and CD. The device from Cursor Controls has been developed in response to specific demands from the industrial, military and marine markets and will not only work underwater but also with coffee, cola and even beer. This patented design has full IP68 seal rating against liquid ingress, enabling it to endure the toughest of operating environments.

The cursor controller for screen-based systems is available in 38 and 50mm ball sizes with a choice of quadrature, PS/2 or USB outputs.

Visitors to the Hanover Messe in April were shown a demonstration of an optical 38mm version trackerball device working underwater for five days continuously.

Each unit is designed to give minimum contact with the ball and achieve the best feel of any trackerball currently available.

GGI International has released Canada’s first vandal-resistant keypad. As the exclusive Canadian licensee of Duraswitch technologies, GGI reckons it can now offer the perfect solution for keypads that are often subject to abuse and vandalism. This new switch construction, named the “High-Impact PushGate”, incorporates a layer of rubber covering the top of the basic PushGate construction to prevent damage to the switch.

This new High-Impact PushGate, is composed of the standard switch construction, a rubber layer and a graphic overlay.

This design maintains a unique, crisp, consistent, tactile feel, which is easily environmentally sealed.

This new construction was developed because the market place required a switch that could withstand everyday abuses, for example the actuation of a control panel by a gas nozzle, car keys or simply rough, repeat use.

“Manufacturers will be attracted to the new High-Impact PushGate because it means less down time which translates into higher levels of efficiency, reliability and profitability”, said Ian Graham, Co-President of GGI International.

“The market is looking for innovation, quality and products that push the limits, and that is what we are providing”.

The High-Impact PushGate is a perfect solution for gas pump controls, ATMs, security entrance keypads, industrial controls, kiosks, car washes, POS, exercise equipment, farm implements etc.

“GGI strives to fulfil the market’s need for customised front panel interface solutions, and the High-Impact PushGate is yet another example of GGI’s commitment to supply innovative solutions to its clients”, said Peter Graham, Co-President GGI International.

Door opener switches on public transport and switches mounted on traffic lights are both subjected to extreme demands. Rough environmental conditions and vandalism cause specific problems for switches in these applications. The PSE HI range of high impact piezo switches from Schurter are designed specifically for these applications.

Piezo switches do not feature any of the moving parts found in mechanical switches, and so even under continuous operation there is no risk of loss of functionality due to wear.

In laboratory tests, a life expectancy of over 20 million actuations has been achieved, which makes the new switches virtually service free.

The PSE HI features enhanced vandal-proof protection.

The innovative and patented construction of the switch offers a higher impact resistance of IK06 to DIN EN50102 specifications.

These completely sealed switches feature fully encapsulated electronics within the housing.This ensures that neither fluids nor dust can penetrate inside the switch.

The switch meets IP67 specifications.

The PSE HI switches are part of the Schurter Metal Line product family, and are available with mounting diameters of 22 and 27mm.

Both the actuating surface and the body of the switches are made from high-grade stainless steel.

The use of this robust material makes these switches particularly well suited for outdoor applications and rough environments.

Various standard typefaces are available for in-house laser engraving of the actuating surface.

Customer specific fonts and symbols can also be specified.

PushFlex is an all-new switch technology that combines a readily available magnet sheet and a magnetically receptive actuating layer to create a unique switch construction.
PushFlex is an all-new switch technology that combines a readily available magnet sheet and a magnetically receptive actuating layer to create a unique switch construction. Bob Brilon, Duraswitch President and CEO, said: “This innovation and elegant solution incorporates key benefits for the high volume market segments including low cost, high reliability and tactile feedback, while at the same time using standard materials and common manufacturing equipment”. “For certain applications, cost is the driving, if not sole, factor in determining which type of tactile switch element will be used.

PushFlex offers a cost competitive, highly customisable pushbutton alternative”, added Tim Kuhn, Vice President Business Development.

PushFlex technology combines a commonly available magnet sheet and a magnetically receptive actuating layer to create a unique switch construction.

The actuating layer is a slotted flat configuration which aligns to holes cut in the magnetic layer.

Together these layers form a web of switches.

“Because keys are cut into the layers, a manufacturer can have a few to dozens of switches on a panel with relatively little increase in overall cost”, continued Kuhn
PushFlex is simple to manufacture, and offers an alternative to both domes and conductive rubber keypads.

The web configuration of PushFlex eliminates the need for individual placement of domes, keeping assembly costs down.

The entire sourcing and moulding process for conductive rubber keypads is eliminated.

With PushFlex, significant cost advantages can be achieved in both low- and high-volume production.

PushFlex offers several design options including constructions for use under plastic keycaps or standard graphic overlays.

Feel and travel can be customised to meet varying specifications, and normally closed key options can easily be incorporated.

Kuhn said: “Because it offers a compelling cost-per-key value proposition, our design specifications for PushFlex were aimed at developing the technology for applications with numerous pushbuttons like a typical keyboard configuration”.

As part of the rollout for PushFlex technology, leading industry publications such as EDN Magazine and SMT Magazine are evaluating the technology for their annual innovation awards.
“Magnetic properties are uniquely employed in all of Duraswitch’s licensed technologies, so Duraswitch has already established relationships with major magnet suppliers such as Arnold, Magnum Magnetics and Max Baermann.

These relationships will help us in the final materials selection for PushFlex”, added Van Zeeland.

“PushFlex brings together a host of benefits in a very efficient package and we believe this development will not only attract interest of the industry, but also its suppliers”.

Duraswitch has executed a licence agreement with Moscow-based E
lcom, the largest membrane tactile switch manufacturer in Russia.
Duraswitch has executed a licence agreement with Moscow-based Elcom, the largest membrane tactile switch manufacturer in Russia. Elcom is the first Duraswitch licensee in Russia and represents another step forward in the globalisation of Duraswitch technology. Duraswitch’s patented pushbutton, rotary and mouse/cursor control technologies are available through 29 licensees worldwide.

“Elcom’s primary marketing focus is in Russia, an area where we have not had licensee coverage.

We believe this concentrated effort will be a strong introduction for our technologies in this new and growing marketplace”, said Tim Kuhn, Vice President Business Development, Duraswitch.

“Russia represents the 11th country with a Duraswitch licensee headquarters”.

Elena Moskovenko, Elcom CEO added: “We are just beginning to introduce Duraswitch technologies in Russia and see an excellent opportunity in being first to bring this to our customer base.
Our customers have indicated interest in Duraswitch’s technology because of the ‘click’, tactile feel, and the engineering solutions it provides.
We have taken samples to a few tradeshows and the market response has been extremely positive”.

Kuhn continued: “According to PCI Industrial Computers Manufacturers Group Europe, the consumption of electronic parts in Russia is growing at 20% annually.

Key manufacturing sectors include specialised electronics, telecommunication systems, automobile electronics, home appliance products, and the manufacture of electronic parts, computers and office equipment”.

Key markets for Elcom include point-of-sale and cash registers, medical equipment and a broad range of industrial controls such as scales, measurement and machine controls.

Founded in 1991 as EleSy (Electronic Systems of Russia), Elcom was opened as a branch of EleSy in 2002.

RJS Electronics has expanded its already comprehensive range of switches.

RJS Electronics has expanded its already comprehensive range of switches. As well as the illuminated and nonilluminated types, the company has added five-way directional illuminated switches from Sunmulon, one of Japan’s premier switch manufacturers. The switches are offered with a variety of LED options.

RJS has an extensive range of blue LED switches from wafer thin to 30mm square sizes and can also offer many switches with dual and tricolour LED options.

“We intend the range to get bigger in 2004 and cover most applications”, said Rick Sucher, MD of RJS Electronics.

Bringing relevant experience to the role, Andrew Shelley has been hired by specialist distributor Switchtec.

Bringing relevant experience to the role, Andrew Shelley has been hired by specialist distributor Switchtec. Formerly with Finder (relays) - a brand that Switchtec distributes - Shelley now brings his product and technical knowledge to Switchtec. Operating in the role of Area Sales Manager (East Midlands) Shelley will be expanding Switchtec’s customer base, following up inquiries and maintaining product and commercial support with existing clients.

He previously worked in the same geographical area, and in a similar role for Finder.

Based in Stone, 31 year old Shelley is well situated to work his area and also very near to Switchtec’s premises in the same town.

The UB2 is a miniature low-profile illuminated switch that is designed for use in applications requiring a compact and futuristic switch design. It offers built in multi-element LEDs in red, green, amber, blue and white with bicolour red/green also available. Users of the bicolour device can also generate orange when simultaneously lighting red and green.

All models offer a clear jewelled lens cap or flat cap over a coloured diffuser, both of which provide aesthetically pleasing and enhanced illumination.

In addition, if legends are required, spot illumination can be provided.

Features of the UB2 include: snap in mount with solder lugs or PCB mount; depth of 10 or 15.5mm single-pole/double-throw or double-pole/double-throw configurations; momentary or alternate action; ratings of 5A at 125/250V AC or 5A at 30V DC; mechanical life of 1,000,000 operations for momentary, 200,000 for alternate; and UL and CSA approvals.

The housing is constructed from glass-fibre-reinforced polyamide and the base of the switch meets UL94V0 flammability standards.

Optional extras include spring-loaded protective guards, barriers and splash covers for protection in harsh environments.

The CW GC-536 miniature pushbutton switch is available from Genalog, CW Industries’ UK distributor. Ideal for a variety of low voltage devices, including automotive, computer and appliance applications, the single pole, double throw switch is rated at 3A at 14V DC and 1A at 125V AC. It is offered with a range of termination options and is said to be quick and simple to fit.

Another feature is a patented positive switching action that eliminates the problem of accidental switching by activating or deactivating the circuit only after the button has been pressed to its full travel and then released.

Measurements are a compact 17 x 14mm and the height is variable depending on the actuator and threaded collar selected.

Furthermore the length of the actuator can be designed to meet various application requirements, and cover caps, cams, levers and other pushbutton contact points are easily mated or matched to the switch.