Subminiature relays carry 10A.

Intended for communications equipment, remote-control systems, and instrument meters, the R73 series of 10A subminiature relays offers coil voltages of 3, 6, 12, and 24V dc in spst normally open and spdt contact configurations. The devices have a dielectric strength of 1500V ac between coil and contacts and 750V ac between contacts of the same polarity. Insulation resistance is 100 M[ohm]. Weighing 0.39 oz, the R73 relays operate over a temperature range of -55 to +85°C. Prices start at <$1.95 (1000). NTE Electronics Inc, Bloomfield, NJ. (201) 748-5089.

Tactile dome switch clicks remote controls.

A 6-mm tactile dome switch provides tactile feedback for applications that have limited board space, such as remote controls and other handheld electronic devices. The dome of the F06180 switch has a standard actuation force of 180g and is made of stainless steel with optional gold, silver, or nickel plating. Contact life exceeds 5 million cycles. The spst device has a switching voltage of 0.1 to 50V dc and a switching current of 0.005 to 100 mA dc, with a switching capacity of 1W. The F06180 costs $0.10 (OEM qty). Snaptron Inc, Loveland, CO. (970) 663-2820.

Switch has convenient bidirectional actuator.

In addition to a crimp connector that makes installation fast and simple, the D2X miniature switch offers a bidirectional actuator that operates from either side for greater mounting flexibility. The device switches 0.1A at 30V dc resistive and has a contact force of 50g. The D2X operates over a temperature range of -10 to +70°C and costs $1.09 (1000). The vendor also offers the D2SW waterproof miniature basic switch, the D3C subminiature basic switch, the slim B3SN mechanical switch, the D2VW watertight high-precision switch, and the B3F-6 tactile switch. Omron Electronics Inc, Schaumburg, IL. (847) 843-7900.

Rotary switch custom-design services.

In addition to expanding its manufacturing and assembly capabilities, the vendor offers custom-design solutions based on its line of electromechanical rotary switches. The design services include product development, product improvement, CAD, fast-turn-around prototyping, and comprehensive testing. Electroswitch, Raleigh, NC. (919) 833-0707.

Tiny surface-mount reed switch boasts reliability.

With a glass length of 10 mm, the Mini-DYAD reed switch provides >1 billion switching operations at low-level loads. The device's rectangular glass body and wide, flat preformed leads provide stability during surface-mount operations. Typical switching speed is £0.5 msec over an operating temperature range of -40 to +125°C. The 10W reed switch carries 2A, with a switching voltage of as high as 200V and a switching current of as high as 0.5A. The part costs <$0.30 (1 million). CP Clare, Reed Relay Division, North Attleboro, MA. (508) 643-9990.

Tiny power-entry module integrates rocker.

Combining a low-current ac inlet and a rocker switch, the CMF power-entry module is just over 2 in. long and needs just ¾ in. behind the panel. The IEC 320/C8 inlet accepts universal input to 2.5A/250V in accordance with UL, CSA, and VDE standards. The rocker switch provides single-pole on/off actuation. Standard inlets are offered in panel- and board-mount versions. The CMF costs $2.77 (1000). Schurter Inc, Petaluma, CA. (707) 778-6311.

LED switch offers flexible configuration options.

The SW43813 LED switch gives you a choice of momentary, alternate, or momentary-snap action; spst or dpdt contact configurations; and lenses in amber, green, or red. LED lenses are not removable and fit inside a 5/8-in. diameter pushbutton. The switch has ratings of 30V dc or 115V ac, 2A resistive, and 0.5A inductive. Solder-lug or pc-board pin terminals are available. The bezel-mount switch, which easily snaps into a panel opening, has an operating pressure of 8 oz (±4 oz) and lasts for >100,000 actuations. The SW43813 costs $7.50 (1000). ElectroMech Components Inc, South El Monte, CA. (818) 442-7180.

Key switches survive automatic-soldering processes.

Low-profile tactile key switches with through-hole and surface-mount terminals are sealed to withstand wave-soldering and cleaning processes. Surface-mount models also tolerate reflow, vapor phase, hot-stamp, and laser soldering. The Rafi Racon 8 is approximately 5-mm high by 8-mm square; the Racon 12 is approximately 5-mm high by 12-mm square with an optional plunger to increase the height to 12.5 mm. Life expectancy is 1 million cycles minimum. The switch function is spst normally open momentary with electrical ratings of 2W maximum at 42V ac or dc maximum. Prices start at $1.22 (1000). C&K Components Inc, Watertown, MA. (617) 926-6400.