Pushbutton switches keep the noise down

Knitter-Switch has released a new a range of silent pushbutton switches.

Knitter-Switch has released a new a range of silent pushbutton switches.

There are a growing number of applications where an audible "click" when a switch is operated is undesirable as an indication of successful operation.

In response to these requirements Knitter-Switch has launched the TR and LTR families of miniature toggle switches where operator feedback is provided by longer actuator travel, tactile "feel" and optional LED indication.

In order to achieve silent operation the conventional metal switch action has been replaced by a rubber contact bridge.

Knitter-Switch's traditional quality and reliability has not been compromised and these new models offer a life expectancy greater than 100,000 operations.

The switching contacts are low resistance gold-plated phosphor bronze and the case material meets UL94V0.

Isolation resistance is 250V AC, 50Hz for 1min, operating temperature is over the range -25 to +70C and all models may be auto-soldered.

There are now an increasing number of applications for switches when an audible response to operation is inappropriate.

Professional audio and broadcast equipment needs to be silent when operated to prevent unwanted noise being recorded or transmitted.

Medical instrumentation and treatment systems are increasingly complex and to avoid disturbing patients have to be operated with minimum noise.

Many types of instrumentation require silent operation and industrial applications located in noisy environments require an alternative to an audible "click" to indicate successful operation.

Particular efforts have been made to assist customers with panel design and layout.

A wide range of styles and colours of buttons and bezels are available as standard and custom colours are available on request.

The pushbuttons are available with optional internal LED illumination.

The LEDs may be used to illuminate the whole button top, just the centre of the button or one corner.

LED colours available are red, green, yellow and a very recently introduced blue LED.

Unlike many other switch suppliers the mounting bezels are common throughout the range and there is no difference in height between illuminated and nonilluminated switch bezels allowing both styles to be mixed and matched on a single panel.

Terry Moss, General Sales Manager for Knitter-Switch UK comments: "We work very closely with our customers' design teams to ensure we have products to meet emerging applications".

"Our silent toggle switches meet the requirements of both noisy industrial environments and quiet areas such as broadcast studios and patient treatment centres".

"Ensuring all of our switch bezels have the same dimensions, whether illuminated or not, is a particular advantage to designers who can mix and match any of our products on a single panel".

The Knitter-Switch TR and LTR range of miniature pushbuttons consists of five different models with over 50 combinations of buttons and bezels.

Samples are available within 48 hours and orders may be placed direct with Knitter-Switch or one of a number of franchised distributors throughout Europe.

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