ALPS Provides Tiny Rotary Switches for Digital Camera Mode Dials

Duesseldorf, Germany, July 26, 2006 - With the SRBD series, ALPS ELECTRIC EUROPA GmbH now offers tiny rotary switches for digital camera mode dials. The new components feature a compact, low-profile design with external dimensions of only 10mm x 10mm x 1.7mm (W x D x H) and a change-over angle of 36°. The required rotational torque amounts to 13±5 mNm. Click settings are available from one to ten. The surface-mountable rotary switches are based on a unique metal cam structure which reduces rotation torque deterioration. They are rated for voltages of 5VDC and a current of 1mA. Their maximum operating life is specified with up to 10,000 cycles. Further technical specifications include a maximum initial contact resistance of 200mΩ, an insulation resistance of up to 100MΩ and a voltage proof of 100VAC per minute. The operating temperatures range between -25°C and +85°C. Control elements for use in portable devices have to be small-sized, highly functional and nevertheless easy to handle. ALPS’ new rotary switch series exactly meets these demands. New materials combined with tested contact systems guarantee for highest reliability in terms of switching stability, compatibility towards common used cleaning processes and a high temperature resistance of up to 260°C at state-of-the-art reflow soldering. For more information on the SRDB series please visit http://www3.alps.co.jp/npv_product/0606_SRBD/SRBD_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 22 production bases in 9 countries as well as 57 sales bases in 14 countries. Consolidated net sales in the year ended March 31, 2005 amounted to YEN 644 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.