Designers, OEMs, and manufacturers must continue to cater to ever-changing consumer demands that challenge each to come up with “the next big thing” in electronic devices.
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A traditional five-way tactile switch. |
Consumer and prosumer electronics are constantly being re-engineered to meet demands for greater functionality and sleeker designs in the quest to become “the next big thing” in the market. In order to keep up with the demands of the market, innovations must be made at the component level, particularly in switches.
Innovative features ensure ease-of-use for the operator, and simplify the operation of complex functions. As a result, OEMs are requesting switch designs that deliver increased precision, versatility, lifespan, and design enhancements.
Initially, screens were so compact in electronics that the standard tactile switches originally implemented were sufficient to manage the few functions these original devices offered. Case in point: miniature four- and five-way tactile switches were once the ideal solution for such devices.
However, with smaller overall device sizes and enhanced memory came the need for more sophisticated interfaces to deliver the sought-after features; for example, a conventional five-way tactile switch was not able to implement the fast scrolling functionality needed, so sensitive technologies, such as capacitive touch sensing, were used to implement navigation capability. Additionally, a balance had to be found between the size of the screen and the size of the actual device. When large full color screens became the industry standard, the surface on the face of the device was no longer capable of sustaining bulky components due to the lack of real estate.
Manufacturers are now developing switches that combine both sensitive and tactile switch technologies into a single component. The new switches offer decreased size, increased functionality, and lower power consumption required by these advanced devices.
Answering Demands for Functionality
While many devices are limited to scrolling features with diameters of 24 mm, some switch packages measure just 10 x 11.5 mm and include the capability of panning in all directions for mapping or browsing. For example, C&K Components’ TSW A Series 7-way scroll wheel measures 21 cm in diameter and provides a maximum operating force rated at 60 g/cm. This combination allows the user to move at a high speed using the sensitive function while employing the central click, as well as four tactile directions for added precision and item selection.
Increased flexibility and more functionality at a lower cost also makes employing scroll-wheel switches one of the most appealing solutions as compared to the alternatives of slide switches or pushbuttons.
Scroll-wheel switches maximize real estate and afford other advantages including long life spans, high reliability, low profiles, and versatility in the design of the actuator mechanisms.
Low Cost Ease of Use for End Users
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The TSW Series |
Simplifying the design of SPST (single-pole, single-throw) NO (normally-open) tactile switches, while adding functionality and dependability, is the challenge for electromechanical switch manufacturers.
Providing design engineers a variety of options to meet application needs, switch manufacturers have developed advanced scroll wheel switches that deliver both rotary and push-to-select functions in one component. The single package/housing design reduces the component count, thus simplifying procurement and customer installation while lowering overall costs.
Scroll wheel switches are through-hole terminated, easing design requirements and installation procedures. Manufacturers even offer decoration options to customize and/or brand the scroll wheel switch module. Offering customized decoration options reduces the number of vendors that an OEM needs to buy parts from, potentially lowering their overall assembly and procurement costs.
Innovative scroll switches can now provide three- and seven-way functionality in one compact housing. A three-way scroll wheel switch features one central select and a two-way 360º rotation or jog function. The seven-way scroll wheel switch features one central select and a two-way 360º rotation with four additional tactile direction switches on the outside ring.
In addition, the new scroll switch designs typically feature both push and rotary functions with 24 detents at 12 pulses in a compact and slim design, freeing up space on the PC board within the new miniaturized electronics devices. Therefore, scroll switches provide dependable operation, precision positioning, and interface management, as well as the distinctive tactile feel that consumers require.
Increasing the Life of the Device
Current market applications also require high life cycles, and scroll switches provide a longer life expectancy than other switch technologies. Innovative scroll switches feature life cycles of more than one million central select actuations and one million rotation actuations (each direction) with a maximum contact resistance of 300 mΩ, whereas conventional switch designs can only reach 200,000 cycles.
The scroll switch contact mechanisms are typically comprised of a dual-beam mechanism, combined with lubricating elements and large domes for the tactile part. These contact mechanisms are vital elements contributing to extending switch lifespan.
Keeping a Low Profile
Increased versatility in switch designs, such as increased actuation capabilities, can have a positive impact on reducing the component count. With an ultra-low height, manufacturers can provide a switch solution that meets specific application needs — scroll switches can measure as small as 21.0 x 3.5 mm.
In a significant number of electronic devices with more sophisticated designs, switch technology innovations like the ones described above will deliver increased functionality for the consumer. Since clickable technologies are highly versatile, they can also be applied to PC touch pads with standard capacitive technology or multi-touch technology. This results in the keys around the touch pad being depressed, making the touch pad larger than usual and thus more convenient to use.
Designers, OEMs, and manufacturers must continue to cater to ever-changing consumer demands that challenge each to come up with “the next big thing” in electronic devices. The evolution of electronics is realized, in large part, through the innovations of component manufacturers. The industry can rely on the fact that next year, switch manufacturers will be developing new switches that will go into the device they will be lining up to purchase.