ALPS Presents Low-Profile 1.5mm-Travel Surface-Mount Slide Switch

Ideal solution for switching modes and turning on/off the power of digital cameras, mobile phones, and personal digital assistants (PDAs)

Duesseldorf, Germany, April 12, 2005 – With the SSAD series ALPS Electric Europa GmbH offers a family of low-profile slide switches. These surface-mountable components are remarkable for their 1.5mm travel length, a mounting area of 6.7mm x 3.2mm and a height of only 0.7mm. They are 50% thinner than the company’s conventional models. The 1Pole-2Position switches are available with vertical slider positions and rated for switching currents of up to 1mA at a maximum of 5VDC. They have a long operating life of up to 10,000 switching cycles. Typical applications are portable devices such as digital cameras, mobile phones, and personal digital assistants (PDAs) where switches, e.g. are used to change the operating mode or turning the power on/off. In addition, they can be used for switching functions of memory cards. The slide switches of the SSAD series require an operating force of 1N (+1/-0.5N) maximum; operating temperatures range between -10°C and +60°C. The other specifications include a maximum initial contact resistance of 100mΩ, an insulation resistance higher than 100MΩ at 100VDC, and a voltage proof of 100VAC per minute. The switches are suitable for lead-free reflow soldering and are available in minimum packing units of 5,000 pieces. For automatic mounting, they are packaged on embossed tape with a width of 16mm. For more information on the SSAD series please visit http://www3.alps.co.jp/WebObjects/catalog.woa/PDF/E/Switch/Slide/SSAD/SSAD.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.