Switches
Combining increased functionality with decreased size
C&K explores the latest trends and developments in tactile switches I
ntuitively, in order to develop a more compact device, the components in the device must all become smaller. However, the aesthetics and functionality of traditional electromechanical components must also be preserved, or even enhanced, in order to meet emerging application requirements. Switch manufacturers are utilizing innovative designs to meet industry demands for miniaturization and reliability, thus providing customers with customized solutions. Wearable devices, miniature medical devices, compact IoT devices and automotive key fobs are just a few of the emerging applications employing tactile switches today. As tactile switches have gotten smaller – decreasing to nano- and ultra-miniature sizes, functionality has also increased, allowing these switches to be specified for a wider variety of applications.
Tactile feel Automotive key fobs are increasingly utilizing nano-miniature tactile switches. Tiny switches capable of ultra low currents — such as C&K Components’ RK Series tactile switch, which measures as small as 3.5 mm x 2.6 mm, with a profile of 1.4 mm — enable automotive key fobs to be more compact and allow additional functions to be added to a single key fob, while the ultra-low current rating translates to lower power consumption and increased battery life. Available in illuminated, side or top
actuated, sealed or unsealed, silver or gold contact material, SMT and through-hole versions, tactile switches can be tuned to any application requirements. To achieve custom haptics, the actuators, domes, and housings can be mixed and matched in order to obtain the right look, feel, and performance. Offering additional customization options, OEMs can select between different actuation forces. For example, the RK Series is offered in six different actuation forces including 160gf, 180gf, 250gf, 400gf, 450gf, and 540gf. This gives design engineers the opportunity to pick and choose the right operating force for their specific application.
RKC Series tactile switch
In addition to tactile
feedback, OEMs often use illumination or emblems to brand their key fobs and other accessory devices. Tactile solutions are offered in a range of illumination options including custom graphics, logos, textures and finishes that can define the operational purpose of the switch for the user.
Acoustic response
Key fobs aren’t the only portable electronic application utilizing miniature tactile switches.
High-end wearable and IoT device OEMs utilize tactile switches to further differentiate their brands. One way is with acoustic feedback. The sound emitted by a switch is determined by the switch design itself and cannot be controlled by the end-user. As a result, manufacturers are requesting that their unique sound requirements be met at the outset of the design. Switch manufacturers are studying the effects of different materials used, to the point where they have succeeded in getting the device to function as a predictable sound filter.
For example, C&K received a request from a wearable device customer to develop a switch that matched acoustics in terms of feel and sound. The switch needed to have a tactile effect, yet the OEM did not want it to make any sound. In this instance, the switch was constructed to match the ultra low sound intensity that was required. The resulting design was C&K’s KSC Series sound tunable tactile switches. These tactile switches not only feature life cycles up to one million actuations, but also support either high or low sound intensity levels to match different requirements of portable device branding.
Ultra-small size
Nano- and ultra-miniature tactile switches are now being deployed in a wide range of applications due to their size and reliability.
NXP multi-protocol
i.MX RT crossover MCU with integrated time-sensitive networking switch unifies industrial IoT communication
NXP Semiconductors’ new
i.MX RT1180 crossover MCU, the first with an integrated Gb time-sensitive networking (TSN) switch, is enabling both time-sensitive and industrial real-time communications and supporting multiple communications protocols. This is bridging the gap between existing industrial systems and Industry 4.0 systems. It’s also said to be the first crossover MCU to include an EdgeLock secure enclave, a preconfigured, self- managed and autonomous on-die security subsystem that eases the complexity of implementing robust, system-wide security intelligence for industrial IoT applications.
36 May 2022
With package options starting from 10x10mm BGA, the
i.MX RT1180 is among the smallest real-time industrial networking- capable devices, making it easier to integrate TSN and industrial networking capabilities into a wider variety of industrial use cases, including I/O management, motor control, compact motion control or gateway applications. In addition to serving as an integrated solution, an
i.MX RT1180 can serve as a network companion chip, providing all required industrial network connectivity to a host processor via scalable connectivity stepping up to seamless Gb direct communication with the host without
Components in Electronics
on-board PHY for additional power and cost savings. The
i.MX RT1180 is also suitable for automotive connectivity applications, which increasingly rely on Ethernet TSN support for both high bandwidth and real-time control data. This allows the
i.MX RT1180 to act as an intelligent switch between different automotive ECUs.
“Industrial and automotive customers are looking to provide increasingly advanced network capabilities and need a solution that not only provides processing power but can also manage time-sensitive network traffic,” said Jeff Steinheider, vice president and general manager, Industrial Edge Processing,
For example, sports and health monitoring watches utilize C&K’s NanoT ultra-miniature switches, as they measure just 2.1 mm x 1.65 mm x 0.55mm with an actuation travel distance of 0.13mm travel. Not only are these switches miniature in size, but they are highly reliable too, offering a IP67 rating. Other medical devices, such as hearing aids, are also employing nano-miniature switches. Nano-miniature switches enable end-product designs that provide maximum user comfort and minimal visibility behind the ear. Sealing is also required of hearing aid switches to combat sweat generated in and behind the ear, which can be extremely corrosive and result in a faulty switch, and thus a faulty hearing aid.
Nano T Series tactile switch
As end products in a variety of
markets are getting smaller and demands for device functionality are increasing, components must also follow suit to keep pace with the market demands. Advanced ultra- and nano-miniature tactile switch technologies are already providing the capabilities required for branding, high reliability, and enhanced functionality application requirements.
https://www.ckswitches.com
NXP. “By having an all-in-one solution with an integrated switch and EdgeLock secure enclave, the
i.MX RT1180 can address both automotive and industrial IoT applications, handling both time sensitive traffic and best-effort traffic to enable a secured automated system with advanced real-time communication capabilities.”
NXP.com/iMXRT1180
www.cieonline.co.uk
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