Littelfuse has introduced a new range of surface-mount dual in-line package (DIP) switches designed to provide greater configuration flexibility in space-constrained electronic applications.
The SDE Series, developed under the company’s C&K brand, features an end-stackable design that allows multiple switches to be connected side by side, enabling engineers to expand switch configurations without redesigning the printed circuit board (PCB).
The switches use a standard 0.1-inch integrated circuit pitch and are designed for applications where manufacturers need configurable switch banks within increasingly compact electronic assemblies.
Traditional DIP switch packages often have fixed position counts, which can limit design flexibility and complicate automated assembly and PCB cleaning processes. Littelfuse said the SDE Series addresses these challenges through its modular architecture and top-tape-sealed construction, which supports surface-mount insertion and washable manufacturing processes.
The range uses copper alloy contacts with gold plating over nickel to provide consistent electrical performance. All plastic components are manufactured using UL 94V-0 flame-retardant materials, while the switches are also RoHS compliant and halogen-free.
The SDE Series has a contact rating of 24 V DC, with a maximum switching current of 25 mA and a non-switching current of 100 mA. Both its mechanical and electrical operating life are rated at 1,000 cycles, with maximum contact resistance of 100 mΩ.
Available in configurations ranging from one to 10 positions, as well as a 12-position option, the switches feature either flush or extended actuators and gull-wing terminations. They are supplied in tube or tape-and-reel packaging to accommodate different production requirements.
“When design flexibility and space optimisation are critical, customers need more than a standard DIP switch,” said Jesus Santos, global product manager at Littelfuse.
“The SDE Series addresses these challenges with its unique end-stackable architecture, allowing engineers to easily scale and reconfigure their designs without increasing PCB footprint.”
Littelfuse said the new switch family is intended for use in industrial control equipment, building automation, garage door systems, security and fire alarm systems, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
Its end-stackable construction is designed to give engineers greater flexibility when specifying switch configurations, while the sealed surface-mount package supports automated production and post-assembly cleaning.
The launch adds another option to C&K’s existing DIP switch portfolio, providing a modular alternative for manufacturers seeking to balance board-space requirements with configuration flexibility.
