ALPS Presents 8-directional Switch with Center Push Switch and a Thickness of Only 2.3mm

Surface-mountable switch achieves an operating life of more than 500.000 cycles for each operating direction

Duesseldorf, Germany, October 27, 2004 - With the RKJXS series ALPS Electric Europa GmbH offers new versions of its thin type 8-directional switches with center push switch. The surface-mountable components achieve a unit thickness of only 2.3mm and an operating life of up to 500,000 cycles for each direction. They have a floor space of 11.9mm x 11.9mm. The switch body has an octagonal structure for smaller outline dimensions. With its compact dimensions and the high durability, the new RKJXS series is the ideal solution for use in cellular phones, PDAs and all other types of portable electronic devices. The switches are rated for switching currents of up to 10mA at a maximum of 5VDC. They feature a directional switch movement force of 0.8±0.5N, a push operating force of 2.5±1.5N for vertical or horizontal directions and a push strength of 30N for the center-push switch. The actuating travel amounts to 0.3±0.2mm. Other specifications include a switch on angle of 7° maximum, an insulation resistance of 50 MΩ, and a voltage proof of up to 50 VAC for one minute. The operating temperatures range from –20°C to +40°C. The switches are suitable for lead-free reflow soldering. Control elements for portable devices have to be small, highly functional and easy to use. The new switch series of ALPS exactly meets these needs. It consists of a switch housing, that was manufactured using ALPS’ proprietary molding and precision processing technologies. With these innovative technologies, ALPS was able to further reduce the thickness of the plastic that forms the base of the housing and to realize an overall unit height of 2.3mm. Alps used a metal contact containing stainless materials in the plate spring for the movable contact point, and adjusted the positioning of the fixed contact point. This new approach enables multidirectional operation through the use of a single-plate spring, which provides the same consistent operational feeling for each direction and a operating life of up to 500,000 cycles. For more information on the SKRH series please visit http://www3.alps.co.jp/npv_pdf/rkjxs_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 8 countries as well as 60 sales bases in 13 countries. Consolidated net sales in the year ended March 31, 2003 amounted to YEN 602 billion. ALPS Electric Europa GmbH, a subsidiary of ALPS Electric Co., Ltd., was established in 1979. Since 1989 the European Head Office is located in Düsseldorf. A team of specialists is working here in Sales, Marketing, and Product Engineering. From Düsseldorf the activities of our branch offices in Munich, Paris, Milton Keynes and the European distribution are co-ordinated. ALPS Nordic AB, a 100 percent subsidiary of ALPS Electric Europa GmbH, located in Sweden, is servicing the Scandinavian market.