EC12D Series from ALPS - Compact Incremental-type Insulated Shaft Encoder with Push Switch

Ideal solution for car audio and navigation systems

Duesseldorf, Germany, July 03, 2007 – ALPS ELECTRIC EUROPA GmbH offers with its EC12D series a new family of incremental-type encoders with center-push switch. The compact devices feature an insulated shaft with 6mm in diameter and an operating length of 17.5mm. They are remarkable for their resolution of 15 pulses or rather 30 detents per rotation. The necessary detent torque amounts to 5±3mNm or 10±5mNm respectively. The new encoders are rated for voltages of 5VDC and have a maximum operating current of 5mA with resistive load. Further technical specifications include an insulation resistance of 10MΩ at 250VDC, a voltage proof of 300VAC per minute and a push-pull-strength of 100N. The output signals of pins A and B are proportionate to the phase difference. The center push switch is designed as single-pole single throw push-on switch and is rated for switching currents of up to 1mA at 5VDC. It requires an operating force of 3N (+1.5/-1.0N). The actuating travel of the switch amounts to 0.5±0.3mm. The maximum initial contact resistance is specified for 100mΩ. The vertically mountable EC12D series features a long operating life of up to 30,000 switching cycles or 15,000 rotational cycles respectively. The operating temperature ranges from –40°C to +70°C. The encoders are housed in a compact body with external dimensions of only 12.5mm x 11.7mm x 5mm (W x D x H). The switch body has an octagonal structure for smaller outline dimensions. In addition, the octagonal shape facilitates to place LEDs for knob illumination much closer to the product. ALPS’ accumulated know-how in precision press and processing technologies made it possible to combine switch and encoder in one single product, thus realizing space saving products with a low profile. These new products ensure more design flexibility for set manufacturers, and help them to produce more compact devices. Typical applications are volume or cursor control for car audio and car navigation systems. For more information on the EC12D series please visit http://www3.alps.co.jp/npv_product/0423_EC12D/EC12D-E.HTML

ALPS Electric Co., Ltd. Since its establishment in 1948 ALPS has grown as a comprehensive manufacturer of electronic components. At present ALPS is creating innovative high-value-added products in its main business segments – Components, Magnetic Devices, Communications, Peripheral Products, and Automotive Electronics – which are contributing to the advance of a digital society. ALPS is a global company that carries out its operations with 22 production bases in 9 countries as well as 57 sales bases in 14 countries. Consolidated net sales in the year ended March 31, 2005 amounted to YEN 644 billion. ALPS ELECTRIC EUROPA GmbH, a subsidiary of ALPS Electric Co., Ltd., was established in 1979. Since 1989, the European Head Office has been located in Düsseldorf, where a team of specialists works in Sales, Marketing, and Product Engineering. The activities of our branch offices in Munich, Paris and Milton Keynes, our sales office in Milan and our European distribution work are co-ordinated from Düsseldorf. ALPS Nordic AB, a 100 percent subsidiary of ALPS ELECTRIC EUROPA GmbH, is based in Sweden and services the Scandinavian market.