ALPS Supports Reflow Soldering with “EC21C,” “EC28C” and “EC35CH” Series Ring Type Encoders

Reducing the Workload for Customers

Munich, Germany, November 17, 2015 – ALPS has included the reflow-compatible “EC21C,” “EC28C” and “EC35CH” series in its lineup of ring type encoders and will start mass producing the models in turn before the end of the year. The products are ideal for use as controls for HVAC and audio systems inside vehicles, as well as major home appliances. Dial-type devices are often used as controls for HVAC and audio systems inside vehicles and are increasingly fitted with an LCD or other display showing information such as the temperature. To achieve this kind of design, ring type encoders are used for the dial. Reflow soldering is used a lot in automotive component assembly these days as a way to solder components to circuit boards. The method involves first printing solder paste onto the board then soldering on the component by passing it through a zone of high temperature. The industry has likewise been searching for encoders that suffer minimal heat distortion under high-temperature conditions and are therefore reflow-compatible so they can be soldered at the same time as other components. Listening to these needs, ALPS has improved heat resistance by making changes to the material used for existing encoder shafts and has included three reflow-compatible models – the EC21C, EC28C and EC35CH Series – to its product lineup. The EC21C Series is in fact the industry’s first reflow-compatible encoder with dimensions in the 22mm range. These three new series complementing existing encoder varieties improve design freedom for customers and help to reduce the assembly workload. A special cap accessory compatible with pick-up nozzles used for mounting is available with these series. Furthermore, original mechanical design and precision processing technologies were applied to minimize shaft rattle and achieve a premium operating feel. Features Reflow-compatible ring type encoders able to be mounted at the same time as other components Compatible with reflow soldering, achieved by improving heat resistance Excellent operating feel during rotation and smooth click sensation Also available with suction cap for mounting Improves end product design flexibility Principal Applications Controls for car audio, car HVAC or other systems Controls for major home appliances such as microwaves and washing machines Specifications Download pdf-file with table of specifications here

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 ELECTRIC EUROPE GmbH, a subsidiary of ALPS Electric Co., Ltd., was established in 1979. Since 2013 the European Head Office has been located in Munich and as such co-ordinates the Sales, Marketing and Product Engineering activities of our branch offices in Munich, Düsseldorf, Paris, Milton Keynes, Gothenburg as well as our sales office in Milan.