Now available from Foremost Electronics is the first of a series of new switch families manufactured by Elma. The C08 miniature coded panel switch is believed to be the world’s smallest device of its kind to combine high torque tactile feedback (3Ncm), long life (10,000 cycles) and compatibility with lead-free reflow soldering. Designed to offer a space-saving user control for price-sensitive mobile or handheld applications such as two-way radios, instrumentation and medical equipment, the 9 x 9 x 10 mm C08 coded panel switch offers SMD (surface mount device) mounting as standard, with Gray, Hex or Hex complement codes.
The C08 maintains its high torque consistently over the rated life of 10k cycles, and suits low profile equipment, with the operating shaft centre line only 4.65 mm from the PCB. Elma offers threaded and plain bush variants, end-stop options, and a customisation service for medium and high volume users. A THT (through-hole-technology) version is available on special request, and the RoHS-compliant coded switches are available in tape-and-reel packaging for fully automatic assembly.