Incremental Encoder with Signifcantly Reduced Shaft Wobble

Compact solution for car audio and navigation systems

Duesseldorf, Germany, January 24, 2006 - For use in car audio and navigation systems ALPS Electronic Europa GmbH offers the new incremental type encoders of the EC11G series. The compact devices feature a metal shaft with 11mm in diameter and an operating length of 18mm, 25mm or 28mm. Other technical specifications are a resolution of 15 pulses or 30 detents per rotation respectively and a rotational torque of 10±7mNm. By changing the shape of the knob joint and the position of the shaft guide, ALPS has realized a structure which minimizes shaft wobble when mounted and gives the user a more accurate feeling when using the shaft. The EC11G series provides a body height of 4.5mm. It is equipped with a sliding contact, is highly reliable and as an option is also available with a 1.5mm-travel push switch. With a compact floor space of 13mm x 12mm, the encoder can be mounted even on high-density printed circuit boards without any problem. The new encoders are rated for voltages of 5VDC and have a current consumption of 10mA. Their operating temperature ranges from –30°C to +85°C and the maximum operating life without load is specified with 15,000 cycles.

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 8 countries as well as 61 sales bases in 14 countries. Consolidated net sales in the year ended March 31, 2004 amounted to YEN 643 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.