Idec Corp. has launched its new RC Series of printed-circuit-board (PCB) relays for a wide range of industrial-grade applications. The PCB relays offer high-capacity power switching and several low-profile configurations. This series replaces and upgrades the RJxV Series of PCB-mount relays.

These PCB relays are an alternative to plug-in relays that are often used in many industrial applications. Plug-in relays typically have a much larger footprint and require a mounting socket.

In comparison, the RC series is designed to mount directly to a PCB using through-holes, and can be wave-, dip-, robotically- or hand-soldered. Their configuration provides a low-profile height of 16.5 mm or less, with high voltage and current ratings in relation to their size and weight, Idec said.

Key specifications include coil voltages in a range of 5/12/24/48/110 VDC and contact ratings at 24 VDC and 250 VAC. The DPDT versions provide 8-A contact ratings, while SPDT versions are available at 12 A (standard) or 16 A (high capacity).

Other features include an operating temperature range from -40°C to 85°C, a lifetime of 20 million operations (at 18,000 times per hour) unloaded, or at least 100,000 times at rated load. They offer an impulse withstand voltage of 10,000 V, which make them suited for electromagnetically problematic environments, Idec said.

Performing reliably in challenging environments, the RC Series is suitable for applications such as appliance electronics, audio-visual components, medical equipment, OEM machine automation as well as other commercial and industrial applications. These devices are certified with cUL, VDE, CQC and CE agencies.

Cherry AG has made some significant enhancements to its CHERRY MX mechanical switch for keyboards, first introduced in 1983, with a new spring design and an improved stem guidance system. Called the best MX full-size switch, the new MX2A, manufactured in Germany, claims a smoother actuation for a more responsive and improved typing experience, improved acoustics and a guaranteed lifespan of more than 100 million actuations.

Called a transformative upgrade, the MX2A is raising the standard for mechanical switches, Cherry said. The new switch introduces a new socket dome with a high-precision ring lubrication, new stem guidance ribs and updated spring geometry.

The MX2A guarantees 100 million actuations, depending on the switch variant, thanks to Hyperglide technology, but now with a smoother actuation, achieved via a factory-applied premium-grade lubricant on the newly shaped, radius-convexed and diamond-polished socket dome. The automated and high-precision ring lubrication process also is reported to minimize spring noise for an improved typing experience.

The spring design also is upgraded, shifting from a cylindrical to barrel geometry for near-contactless linear movement, Cherry said, reducing spring deformation and scratching. In addition, an updated, unique spring-centering stem with a “crown” of ribs is reported to ensure a more precise and consistent feel and sound, reducing “scratchiness” and improving sliding properties.

Another upgrade is the improved stem guidance system with diamond-polished sliding surfaces in both the lower and upper housing sections for increased smoothness during actuation.
Cherry's MX2A mechanical switch illustration, showing a new socket dome with high-precision ring lubrication (left), new stem guidance ribs (center) and an updated spring geometry (right).

As with all MX switches, the MX2A continues to use the Gold Crosspoint Contact System. This feature delivers a debounce time of less than 1 millisecond.

The MX2A line will include the full-size variants, including MX Red, MX Brown, MX Black, MX Speed Silver, MX Silent Red and their respective RGB variants, so users can find a switch that meets their preferences, said Cherry. In addition to the overall MX2A enhancements, Cherry said the “MX Blue variant will maintain its distinct clicky character without the lubrication and barrel spring due to technical considerations.”

Cherry also announced that the new CHERRY XTRFY K5V2 customizable gaming keyboard, which is the first model to use the CHERRY MX2A switches with the hot-swappable CHERRY MX2A Red switches.

The K5V2 is a compact gaming keyboard in a 65% format. It builds on the popular K5 keyboard, said Cherry. Everything from the switches, stabilizers and keycaps to cable, frame and logo plate is swappable for ultra-customization.

Key features of the K5V2 include super-scan technology, which scans all keys every half a millisecond for faster detection of keystrokes, strip LED RGB lighting for better illumination and a metal plate construction with double layers of sound-dampening foam and pre-lubed PCB-mounted stabilizers. It also offers a range of per-key customization, including RGB illumination, macros and media controls. No software is needed with all settings made using the keys.

The CHERRY MX2A is available now for B2B orders and will later be sold to end customers and DIY enthusiasts. The K5V2 is expected to be available later this year.

CUI Devices’ Switches Group has expanded its line of tactile switches with new illuminated models. Housed in compact packages as small as 3.4 × 3.4 × 1.5 mm, the illuminated tactile switches offer a variety of illumination colors, including blue, green, red, red/blue, red/green, white and yellow. These switches can be used in a variety of applications, including consumer electronics, office equipment and industrial applications.

The single pole/single throw (SPST) illuminated tactile switches are available in surface-mount or through-hole mounting styles, PC pin or gull wing terminations. They are also available in vertical or right-angle orientations.

The illuminated models are rated at 12 VDC and 50 mA. Other features include actuator heights from 0.35 to 6.3 mm, operating forces from 160 up to 300 gf, and life cycle ratings up to 100,000 cycles.

The illuminated tactile switch models are available now. Prices start at $0.64 per unit in quantities of 500 pieces through distribution. Lead time is from stock to eight weeks. Please contact CUI Devices for OEM pricing.

The tactile line features operating temperature ranges from -40 up to 85°C and lifecycle ratings up to 300,000 cycles. There are also several IP-rated models available. Visit the company’s Resource Library for more information, including blogs and videos.

OKW Enclosures Inc. has expanded its MEDITEC line of plastic enclosures for desktop, portable and wall-mount electronics. Targeting medical electronics, the enclosure line is now available in two versions and four plan sizes. They can be specified as separate components for individual configurations.

OKW said the MEDITEC line is designed primarily for high-quality, high-value healthcare and laboratory electronics. It is also suited for feedback control, test and measurement, communications and network technology, data collection, control peripherals, modems and interfaces.

For robustness, the enclosures feature strengthening ribs at the top and base of the units. They come with clip-in side trims with or without ventilation to hide the fixing screws. Screw pillars are inside the enclosures for installing PCBs and components. Four screw-on, non-slip feet are included for stability in desktop applications.

In addition, the enclosures are easy-to-assemble and can be specified with or without a bail arm (accessory) that doubles as a desk stand. This can be adjusted in increments of 30°.

The MEDITEC line is molded from ABS (UL 94 HB). The standard color is off-white (RAL 9002) with either lagoon green or case-colored side trims. Custom colors are available on request.

The enclosures are available in four plan sizes from 6.30 × 7.87 inches to 11.42 × 10.24 inches in accordance with double and extended Eurocard-sized PCBs. The two standard heights are 2.88 inches and 4.82 inches. Optional side panels add 1.95 inches.

Accessories include a sloping control panel, which creates a desktop reading angle of 30° or a wall reading angle of 60°, and an infill panel, which is needed for 4.82-inch-high cases with a sloping panel and allows for the mounting of connectors for probes and data cables. Other accessories include wall mounting brackets, side panel connectors, stacking elements for securing several devices and PCB mounting screws.

The MEDITEC enclosures are customizable. Services include CNC machining, lacquering, printing, laser marking, special materials, RFI/EMI shielding and installation/assembly of accessories.