Switches
Electronic switches keep up with the latest wearable technology
By Prasad Tawade, senior strategic marketing manager, Littelfuse W Applications
Wearable electronic devices can be worn on the body as accessories or clothing items. Wearable devices have a wide range of applications and are becoming increasingly popular due to their convenience, portability, and ability to collect and process data in real time. Common consumer applications include smartwatches, fitness monitoring, earbuds, virtual reality headsets, augmented reality glasses, smart gaming controllers, smart clothing and more. Wearable medical devices are monitoring various health parameters, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels. Wearable devices can be used to monitor more than the health of humans. Wearables are being used to monitor and control various aspects of building, data centre and machine operations. For example, facility managers can monitor
48 May 2023
earable electronic devices have quickly gained traction in a wide range of applications. From
fitness tracking and health monitoring to communication and entertainment, there are countless applications for wearables. Wearable devices are poised for continued growth beyond mainstream consumer and healthcare markets into industrial and building systems and more. As wearable devices become more sophisticated, electronic switches must keep pace with the latest technology demands. Electronic switches are often the central component to a wearable device’s human machine interface (HMI). Switches enable users to interact with the device, manage power consumption, control sensors, and connect to other devices. As wearable technology continues to advance, electronic switch designs must evolve to meet the unique needs of this growing market.
designing a user interface for a small device with limited input/output options can be challenging. Designers must create innovative solutions to provide users with the information they need and enable them to interact with the device in a seamless and intuitive way.
Size and weight: wearable electronics must be small and lightweight to be practical for everyday use. However, as the size of wearable devices decreases, the complexity of the design and the number of components required increases. This creates a challenge for designers who must balance the need for advanced functionality with the limitations of space and weight.
Described as the world’s smallest tactile switch, the NanoT Series gives designers of wearable devices the freedom to create products as small as desired without forsaking quality and performance.
Power management: wearable devices are typically battery-powered and require a long battery life to be practical for everyday use. However, the small size of these devices limits the battery size, and thus, the amount of power available. As a result, designers must create highly efficient power management systems that optimize energy usage and minimize power consumption.
indoor air quality including temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide levels, and other air quality metrics. This information can be used to adjust HVAC systems and ensure optimal indoor air quality for building occupants. Wearable devices can also be used to control lighting and other building systems to optimize energy usage.
Design challenges
Electronic switches play a critical role in wearable designs as they are used to control various functions and features of the device. Wearables often require multiple switches to enable users to interact with the device and control different aspects of its operation.
Components in Electronics
Designers of wearable devices face a number of challenges to meet application requirements. As with many consumer and portable electronics devices, designers must balance SWaP (size, weight, and power) parameters with desired functionality and performance of the device. The goal is to find the optimal balance between these parameters to meet the requirements of the specific application. In addition, user interfaces and durability are critical elements to wearable designs, particularly in mission critical applications. User interface: the user interface of a wearable device must be simple, intuitive, and easy to use. However,
Sensitivity: many wearable devices require switches that are highly sensitive and responsive to touch or motion. Switch manufacturers are developing new switch technologies with customized haptics that can detect subtle movements and touch inputs with high accuracy.
Durability: wearable devices are often subjected to harsh environmental conditions, including moisture, temperature changes, and physical impact. As a result, durability is a critical factor in the design of these devices. Designers must create devices that can withstand these environmental factors while maintaining their functionality and performance.
www.cieonline.co.uk.uk
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66
