Rotary switch technology turns to a long life

Duraswitch has recently completed testing of its Thincoder rotary switch technology with copper-on-flex circuits.

Duraswitch has recently completed testing of its Thincoder rotary switch technology with copper-on-flex circuits.

The results indicate significantly longer life, up to 500,000 rotations, as well as lower resistance.

Tony Van Zeeland, COO and Executive Vice President Engineering, said, "This enhancement to our Thincoder technology brings a new level of value-added performance for rotary switches".

A standard rating of 25,000 rotations is common for most rotary switches.

Duraswitch's Thincoder with carbon over silver on flex circuit is rated at 100,000 rotations.

With the copper-on-flex circuit, that rating jumps to 500,000 rotations.

When longer life is required, optical encoders hard-wired or on PCB provide an extremely long life, but also carry a premium price.

By combining a copper-on-flex circuit with Duraswitch Thincoder, designers now have another option for long-life applications.

Duraswitch developed and tested the copper-on-flex circuits for use with the Thincoder with the help of Sheldahl, a leading producer of high-quality flexible printed circuitry.

In addition to the 500,000 rotation rating, testing showed lower circuit resistance.

Initial resistance is less than 2ohm.

"Manufacturers are always looking for ways to improve performance and lower cost", said Bruce Lindahl, Product Manager, Sheldahl Flexible Interconnect.

"By combining our flex circuit expertise with Duraswitch' patented technology, we have developed a rotary switch solution that meets that need".

"Our licensees have a strong advantage in the marketplace with this new development", said Tim Kuhn Vice President Business Development for Duraswitch.

"Thincoder technology already has the unique advantage of integration on flex, and now offers a significant cost advantage for long-life applications".

Duraswitch's Thincoder technology is the only rotary switch that can be integrated on flex circuit.

The Thincoder can function as an encoder or a selector switch, offers customisable detent and stop options, requires no soldering, and no secondary assembly processes.

The Thincoder EZI 2.0 can function as a 5bit encoder, a 2bit repeating Gray code, or a selector switch.

Absolute 5bit 32-position encoding provides a distinct electrical output at each detent position, using only six connections.

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