Wireless and battery-less energy harvesting switches

At the heart of the new product range is the energy harvesting generator which uses a patented mechanism to convert mechanical force into electrical energy.  IP40 protected, offering a lifetime of 1,000,000 switching cycles and an operating temperature range of -40 to + 85°C, versions are available with momentary and latching switch actions and can offer a wireless range of up to 300m in open space.

For communicating with host systems Cherry offers a ZF proprietary protocol, and is happy to work with customer-specific requirements. To ensure worldwide wireless compatibility the system may be specified to operate at 868MHz and 915MHz, or 2.4GHz for lighting applications.

Two standard packaged switches are available to actuate the Energy Harvesting Generator, a momentary rocker switch and a snap switch. When a switch is operated it will provide data transfer via RF technology. Offering minimum 100,000 switching operations IP40 protection and an operating temperature range of -20 to +60°C these high reliability switches can transmit up to 30m inside buildings.

Flexible pairing allows the operation of several switches with one receiver and vice-versa, and a switch 'unique ID' provides clear identification while operating several switches at once. Up to three telegrams are sent per actuation, with pseudo-random timing to assure robust data transmission.  

Cherry’s standard energy harvesting switch modules are available to buy now from RS Components.