NKK Switches New FR Series of Rotary Switches Now Available

SCOTTSDALE, AZ--(Marketwire - May 20, 2008) - NKK Switches, the world's leading designer and manufacturer of innovative electromechanical switching devices, today announced the availability of the new FR series of 10mm Ultra-Thin DIP Rotary switches. The newly designed FR series replaces NKK's DR series rotary switches and incorporates the best characteristics of NKK's rotary devices and provides unprecedented quality and reliability for which NKK is renowned.

The FR series of binary coded DIP rotaries are environmentally friendly devices and meet the RoHS directive restricting the use of hazardous substances. The heat resistant resin materials are UL94V-0 and suited to lead-free solder processing applications including vapor phase and infrared convection reflow soldering for SMD option.

The FR series of DIP rotaries offer compact dimensions and a low profile allowing for high density mounting and close stacking of PC boards. Available in real or complement codes, decimal or hexadecimal configurations, the FR series can be specified in through-hole or SMD models. Highly visible and easy to read legends use arrows to indicate position and provide trouble-free code setting. Color-keyed actuators identify codes. Electrical capacity switching rating is 100mA @ 5V DC; nonswitching rating is 100mA @ 50V DC. The cam activated movable contact and gold contacts ensure contact reliability and continuity while the detent mechanism gives crisp, positive action providing accurate switch setting. Actuators are fully rotational and can be operated either clockwise or counterclockwise.

Through-hole devices can be specified with screwdriver or shaft actuators with straight or right angle mounts. Terminal spacing in straight PC through-hole is .100" between pins and .300" between rows. Packaging includes stick tube for through-hole versions and tape/reel for SMD. Right angle versions are available in two different footprints. The standard footprint is .100" between pins and .100" between rows. A new option of .100" between pins with .200" between rows is available to facilitate change over designs from DR series footprints. Crimped terminals ensure secure PC mounting and prevent the FR devices from dislodging during soldering.

SMD versions are straight mount with screwdriver actuators. Gull-winged terminals deliver mechanical stability during soldering and simplify solder joint inspection. The co planarity tolerance zone is .0059" (0.15mm) maximum, the allowable distance between all considered surfaces in two parallel planes. Optional snap-on knobs are available for screwdriver actuated models and feature a black knob with a transparent flange.

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 and surface mount switches. It manufactures more than four million toggle, rocker, pushbutton, slide, rotary, DIP rotary, keypad and key lock switches. All switches are designed and manufactured to provide the quality and dependability that has 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 and a commitment to excellence. It provides environmentally safe products for its valued customers, including the myriad of issues that are covered under the RoHS directive. 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 man-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 Bob Wanless (NKK Switches) 480-991-0942