NKK Switches Announces New Rocker Switch With Programmable OLED Display and IP64 Water Resistance Rating

SCOTTSDALE, AZ--(Marketwire - June 25, 2009) - NKK Switches, the world's leading designer and manufacturer of innovative switches, today announced the availability of a new rocker switch with a built-in high-resolution, programmable OLED display. The IP64 rated OLED Rocker is the newest addition to NKK's SmartSwitch product line. This unique snap-in switch is also the industry's first to give a choice to design engineers in actuator type for OLED programmable switches.

Based on NKK's award-winning OLED SmartSwitch technology, the OLED Rocker is a monochromatic, multifunctional programmable display device. User selection is based on menus visible on the display and multiple layers of menus can be easily achieved; this affords engineers a great deal of flexibility with just one device. The benefits of this are reduced panel space, lower assembly costs, reduced inventory and faster installation time.

OLED SmartSwitch technology simplifies and improves operator interfaces where multiple selection menus are required. Features of OLED SmartSwitch technology include high contrast, 180 degree viewing angles, low power consumption, fast response times and no backlighting requirements.

Typical applications for the OLED SmartSwitch Rocker are in HMI and control systems where it can be used to replace multiple switches and a display. With its IP64 rating for dust and water protection, the new OLED Rocker can also be used in industrial applications and medical areas where wipe down is required. Additionally, the snap-in installation ensures easy, secure mounting and alignment.

"System designers are increasingly looking at new programmable switch technologies that interact with the complete system or design, provide ease-of-use and simplify multi-decision operations," said Hassan Sajadi, Senior Engineer. "Using OLED technology in such switches is a major step into the future for the industry as a whole as they complement their LCD counterparts."

OLED SmartSwitch Rockers can be sequenced or updated in real-time via SPI communication. The switch's circuit is SP3T with three pushbuttons being normally open.

The operating temperature range of the OLED Rocker is -20 degrees Celsius to 70 degrees Celsius and the panel cut out is 35.4mm X 48.6mm. In addition, they feature a short 14.6mm behind panel depth. The electrical and mechanical life is rated at one million actuations minimum and the OLED display features a long life of 52,000 hours minimum at 30 percent illumination.

A leading designer and producer of electromechanical switches, NKK Switches offers one of the industry's most extensive selections of illuminated, process sealed, miniature, specialty, surface mount and programmable switches. NKK manufactures more than 3.5 million toggle, rocker, pushbutton, slide, rotary, DIP rotary, keypad and keylock switches, each of which can be used as the foundation of a customized design. All switches are designed and manufactured to provide the quality and dependability that have made NKK the benchmark for reliability for over half a century.

NKK continues to lead the industry in responding to the needs of the marketplace with innovation, high reliability, customization and a commitment to excellence. The company provides a full suite of customization solutions that include: design, programming, printing and support. Downloadable 3D CAD models of the company's switches are available, allowing design engineers to quickly integrate complex models into their designs at no charge. NKK maintains a complete network of qualified representatives and distributors through the United States, Canada, Central and South America, Europe and Asia.

Engineers who design the human-machine interface for their products rely on the broad product line, specialized design expertise and customer support of NKK Switches. For more information, contact NKK Switches, 7850 E. Gelding Dr., Scottsdale, AZ 85260. Phone: (480) 991-0942. Fax: (480) 998-1435. Visit the NKK Web site at www.nkkswitches.com.

Contact Information: For more information, contact: Chris Walker (Connect Public Relations) 480-366-6015 Hassan Sajadi (NKK Switches) 480-991-0942