IP67-rated tactile switch are smallest available, says Littelfuse
Miniature, surface-mounted, very low profile, waterproof tactile switches in the C&K Switches NanoT series are designed for wearable consumer electronics. Typical applications are hearing aids, headsets and portable IoT devices, said Littelfuse.
Smart wearables, health monitoring devices and other battery-powered IoT devices are driving the need for dense integration of active components, together with seamless rounded screens and additional functionality – all in increasingly smaller spaces. The result is demand for an ever-smaller switch interface and the NanoT switch series is claimed to be the smallest tactile switch on the market. It gives product designers room to build additional functionality into their design or reduce the size of the PCB.
The NanoT is suitable for wearable and portable consumer electronics, such as hearing aids, health monitoring devices, smartwatches, portable IoT devices and headsets.
According to Daisy Liu, global product manager at C&K Switches, now part of Littelfuse, the NanoT switches “provide the smallest size, IP67 waterproof tactile switch available”.
The small form factor is achieved by a mix of process technologies. The company uses surface mount technology (SMT) reflow process for the top version and pin-in-paste (PIP) reflow process for the side version, Liu explained, to meet the market’s demand for smaller components.
The side-actuated package measures 2.2 x 1.70 x 1.65mm and the top-actuated package measures 2.1 x 1.65 x 0.55mm.
PIP or SMT edge-mount versions allow excellent resistance to shock and shear testing, improve equipment lifetime while reducing layers of protection, said Littelfuse.
Life cycles are up to 300,000 to offer greater reliability and the IP67 rating provides end-user customers with a waterproof option.
There is a choice of operation force options, namely 100, 160 and 240gf.
The NanoT switches are available in tape and reel format for both the top version and the side version. Samples can be requested through authorised Littelfuse distributors worldwide.
