Signal Switches

Signal switches activate or deactivate a signal once an event has occurred. A signal switch provides high-performance, low-power replacements for standard bus-interface devices when signal buffering is not required. There are many types of signal switches. Examples include sensor switches, electrical switches, and indicator switches. Sensor switches are devices that sense and convert physical information about the environment into a readable form such as analog voltage, current, charge, or frequency. A sensor switch has the capability to satisfactorily pass analog signals as well as digital signals. Electrical switches are devices that include left- and right-turn signals for up to 8 lamps per side, and four-way flashing for up to 16 lamps. An electrical switch has two pieces of metal called contacts that touch to make a circuit, and separate to break the circuit. An indicator switch correlates time and voltage readings from the electromechanical actuators to indicate exactly where the tabs are at all times. An electrical relay is an electrical device that enables a current flowing through it in one circuit to switch on and off a current in a second circuit. An electrical relay includes an electromagnet which is a temporary magnet made by coiling wire around an iron core. Other types of signal switches are commonly available.

There are several ways in which signal switches function. All signal switches are binary transducers that are either open, with almost infinite impedance, or closed, with almost zero impedance. Signal switches use conductors which touch under pressure for 1 and separate for 0 or may use a wide variety of solid state sensors. A signal switch does not handle power but handles signal levels with high resistance of almost perfect isolation when off state. A reasonable amount of resistance, up to a few hundred ohms or so, can be tolerated in the on state. The switch should be able to control signals at any reasonable voltage level and not be tied to ground or the positive supply. Signal switches should contain specifications of maximum current rating, AC voltage rating, DC voltage rating, and power rating along with terminal type, common features, and environmental conditions. Signal switches have a glass-filled nylon housing for strength and durability and are sealed by a polymer boot designed to keep out dirt and moisture.

Signal switches are used in many applications. Examples include their use in all kind of machines. Signal switches optimize next-generation datacom, networking, computing, portable communications, and consumer electronic designs by supporting both digital and analog applications. This includes PCI interface, USB interface, memory interleaving, bus isolation, and low-distortion signal gating. Signal Switches are targeted directly for use in application specific areas such as video or LAN, and the most advanced process technologies to create the highest performance switches. Signal switches should adhere to International Standards Organization (ISO) standards.

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Part Numbers for Signal Switches