ALPS Develops Two-way Operation Type Detector Switches with Female Connector Terminal

Connection via connector terminal makes detector switch solder connections unnecessary

Duesseldorf, Germany, October 25, 2005 – Alps has developed the SSCW Series of detector switches. These two-way operation type detector switches have a female connector terminal attached to the switch component, eliminating the need to fuse them to a circuit board with solder. In recent years, electronic components in automobiles, printers and other products are equipped with an increasing number and variety of detector switches for detection of drive mechanisms, such as locks in various positions and opening and closing mechanisms. Conventionally, individual circuit boards were needed to connect switches to devices, with application of solder utilized as the primary method to fuse switches onto each circuit board. With recent concerns about the environment, advances have been made in endeavors to develop lead-free and solder-free connections. Alps’ new detector switches, developed for detection of drive mechanisms in automobiles and home electronics, enable connections without the use of solder, and are general-purpose switches with a wide variety of applications. Through Alps’ unique micro-component processing technology, a female connector terminal is attached to the detector switch component, rendering solder unnecessary and enabling environmentally friendly connection. This also contributes to the simplification of the component production process by allowing easy mounting of connectors in spots where circuit boards had to be positioned on conventional switches. Furthermore, mounting is possible on either the front or back of the switch, giving manufacturers of electronic components a greater degree of freedom in product design by allowing them to choose the side for mounting according to the driving direction or other differences in mechanisms. Moreover, the switches feature a clip-type, two-sided sliding contact-point structure made possible by our proprietary high-precision processing technology. This structure utilizes sliding contact points to enclose the fixed contact point from both the left and right sides. The structure is resistant to particles and dust, vibration, and impact, which contributes to high contact reliability. While boasting a compact size of 13.1 mm (width) × 11.35 mm (length) × 5.30 mm (height), the switches attain on-stroke of just 2.0 mm, which contributes to ease of use even inside drive mechanisms, where the operating position is easily subject to substantial cumulative error. Features Two-way operation type detector switch, which allows connection through a female connector terminal and eliminates the need for solder Connection attained by attaching a female connector terminal to the switch component, eliminating the need for solder Contributes to ease of component processing and greater liberty in component design Proprietary clip type, two-sided, sliding contact-point structure offers higher contact reliability Contributes to better design and user-friendliness through 2.0 mm on-stroke Principal applications Drive mechanism detectors for cars, car audio equipment, printers, and fax machines Specifications Product name: SSCW Series Dimensions (W × D × H): 13.10 mm × 11.35 mm × 5.30 mm Maximum frequency (resistance load): 0.1A  12V  DC Minimum frequency: 50µA  3V  DC Operating force: Equal to or less than 1N Load operating life-span: 100,000 times (no load), 100,000 times (loaded)* *Loaded is defined as maximum frequency (resistance load): 0.1A  12V  DC.

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.