ALPS Commences Mass Production of "EC18A Series" 18mm Size Insulated Shaft Type Encoder

Waterproof Capability and Firm Clicking Feeling

Duesseldorf, Germany, November 29, 2010 - ALPS ELECTRIC has completed development of its new “EC18A Series”, an insulated shaft type encoder for use in dial control knobs of appliances such as washing machines and microwaves. Mass production commences in November this year. Control mechanisms used to operate home appliances such as washing machines or microwaves differ across regions and countries. Operating buttons that contain membrane switches with a plate spring inserted underneath a vinyl chloride sheet are prevalent in Japan, however, in Europe and North America, appliances with dial control knobs are more commonly used. As the latter requires a more precise operating feeling and sound, new electronic components featuring such characteristics need to be developed. Envisaged for application in control mechanisms for washing machines and microwaves, this encoder features a large click torque of 60±20mNm (millinewton meter) enabling a precise operating feeling and clear operating sound as the user operates the appliance with a large dial. The high-frequency clicking sound sends an audible signal to the user confirming the operation. Making use of its long-cultivated simulation technology, ALPS was able to incorporate a rotating cam and a plate spring to produce this clicking sensation and sound. As the product will most likely be used in places with frequent water exposure, it is also designed to be waterproof. Waterproof capability is compliant with the IPX7 (*1) standard, which means it is able to withstand water immersion for 30 minutes at a depth of up to 1 meter. Further, this is an absolute type encoder capable of detecting operating positions with signals and features a variety of either 12 or 16 positions. *1: The IP (International Protection) Code classifies the degrees of protection against the intrusion of solid matter and ingression of water, whereas IPX does not measure the capability of protection against dust, but against water. Features Encoder with large click torque and waterproof capability Precise operating feeling with large click torque Clear operating sound signals operation confirmation to user Waterproof capability compliant with IPX7 Position variety of 12 or 16 positions Principal Applications Control mechanisms of white goods such as washing machines, microwaves and ovens Specifications Download press release including table of specifications For more information on the new product please visit www.alps.com/products/e/npv_product/101125_EC18A/EC18A_E.PDF

ALPS Electric Co., Ltd. ALPS Electric (Tokyo: 6770) is a leading global manufacturer of high-quality electronic components for mobile devices, home electronics, vehicles and industrial equipment. With the philosophy of “Perfecting the Art of Electronics” ALPS Electric supplies over 40,000 different components to about 2,000 companies all over the world. For more information, visit www.alps.com. ALPS Green Devices Co., Ltd. ALPS Green Devices was formed as a business alliance between ALPS Electric and the Innovation Network Corporation of Japan to develop and manufacture compact, highly efficient power conversion and power control devices that enable the creation of a low carbon society. For more information, visit www.alpsgd.com/eng/index.html 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, Milton Keynes, Stockholm, Gothenburg, and our sales office in Milan are coordinated from Düsseldorf.