Switches
Figure 5: Example of a Slide DIP Switch (Image source: CUI Devices)
Figure 6: Example of a Piano DIP Switch (Image source: CUI Devices)
with detents to give physical feedback. The number of pins on the switch are related to the number of different outputs - four output pins means 16 different configurations in binary. Rotary DIP switches can also be configured to operate as an SPDT device, with several throws associated for the single pole interface.
Instead of direct binary, a 16-position rotary DIP switch can utilize hexadecimal, which is 2-bytes or 16 bits to describe an output. Hexadecimal code uses the letters A-F after the numbers 0-9 to create a hexadecimal number without the need to invent new numbers to represent 10 - 15. This can be seen in Figure 8.
Key DIP switch specifications As mentioned before, there are many different aspects of DIP switches that can make large differences in which applications they would work in. Manufacturer datasheets are an excellent
resource for finding all the essential specification information and learning about their performance. In addition to the specifications of positions or actuator types already discussed, the table below covers some of the most vital information in choosing the ideal DIP switch for any particular application.
DIP switch applications As they have been around for so long and digital devices have become more ubiquitous, DIP switches can be found in many different locations. In modern IoT devices, they are still a quick, user-friendly way to configure or program a device without as much software involvement. These switches can make configuration changes much simpler and painless for consumers. Some of the applications for DIP switches that are commonly found are: • Remote control programming • Programming garage door openers
Figure 7: Example of a Rotary DIP Switch (Image source: CUI Devices)
Figure 8: Representing Hexadecimal Code with a 4-Position Rotary DIP Switch (Image source: CUI Devices)
• Configuring PC expansion cards or motherboards
• Configuring devices on an IoT network • Unpowered configuration checks of equipment in industrial or commercial settings
Conclusion
The original intent of the DIP switch was to make it easy to change the settings
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and configurations of electronic systems. As electronics have proliferated to an even greater degree, there has been a shift to software switching. Despite this, there still remains a large market requiring low-cost, straightforward, user-friendly, mechanical methods of changing settings.
www.cuidevices.com Components in Electronics April 2022 45
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