11mm Size Metal Shaft Potentiometer with/without Push-On Switch for Automotive Use

Duesseldorf, Germany, July 02, 2008 - With the RK119 series, ALPS ELECTRIC EUROPE GmbH offers a new family of 11mm metal shaft potentiometers. The surface-mountable devices are available in a wide selection with or without center-push switch. The components are remarkable for their extremely compact design. With dimensions of only 14.2mm x 11.7mm x 5.0mm (W x D x H) they can easily be mounted even on high-density printed circuit boards. The metal shaft has a length of 20mm and a shaft diameter of 4.5mm. The vertical type potentiometers enable direct installation on PCBs and are suitable for reflow soldering. They are rated for voltages of 50VAC/10VDC and have a power consumption of 0.05W. Despite its tiny sizes, the RK119 series features a good haptic and high total mechanical rotation angle of 300+10/-5 degree. The necessary rotational torque is 7.5±3.5mNm. The shaft stopper strength amounts to 0.5Nm/min. and the push-pull-strength to 100N. The optional switch is designed as single-pole single-throw push-on switch and is rated for switching currents of up to 0.1mA at 5VDC. It requires an operating force of 5±2N. The push-on switch travel measures 0.5mm or 1.5mm respectively, depending on the model. The operating life of the RK119 series is specified with 15,000 rotational cycles and 100,000 switching cycles. Further technical characteristics are a total resistance of 10 kΩ with ±20 percent tolerance, an initial contact resistance of 50mΩ, an insulation resistance of up to 100MΩ and a voltage proof of 300VAC per minute. The operating temperature ranges between –40°C and +85°C. Typical applications of the RK119 series are controlling of dimmers, wipers and various in-car accessories, controlling of volume, tone and balance of car audio equipment and car navigation systems, and level controls in various communication devices. For more information on the new the product please visit www3.alps.com/e/npv_product/0625_RK119/RK119_E.PDF

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 23 production bases in 9 countries as well as 57 sales bases in 14 countries. Consolidated net sales in the year ended March 31, 2008 amounted to YEN 693 billion. ALPS ELECTRIC EUROPE 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 EUROPE GmbH, is based in Sweden and services the Scandinavian market.