Small electronic switches refer to small switching devices used to control the on and off of electronic circuits. They usually have the following characteristics: small size, light weight, easy operation and high reliability. Among the many small electronic switches, metal dome switches are particularly eye-catching with their unique performance and wide application scenarios.
What is a small electronic switch?
A small electronic switch is a small and fast-acting electronic component that is usually used to control the functions of various electronic devices. It has the characteristics of small size, light weight, high reliability, sensitive operation and long life, and can complete the switch control task in a small space.
The specific applications of small electronic switches include controlling headlights, turn signals and other accessories in automobiles, as well as various electronic lock systems. It is a reliable and effective electronic component for controlling these functions with its mini size and fast action.
In addition, small electronic switches are also widely used in electronic equipment, mechanical equipment, household appliances and other fields, providing these devices with precise and fast switch control functions.
Is a membrane switch a small electronic switch?
A membrane switch is a small electronic switch. A membrane switch is an electronic component that combines switch functions and decorative functions. It is usually based on a rigid or flexible printed circuit board, with buttons with or without touch, and covered with a plastic film panel printed with colorful decorative patterns.
The characteristics of a membrane switch include its multi-layer structure, elasticity, and the vertical bounce of the elastic film to achieve action. This switch is suitable for various environments, can withstand a high number of operations without deformation, and has high durability.
Depending on the application requirements, there are many types of membrane switches, including ordinary flat membrane switches, PET button membrane switches, and metal dome membrane switches.
What does a membrane switch consist of?
A membrane switch is mainly composed of a panel, an upper circuit, an isolation layer, a lower circuit, and a backing adhesive. When the membrane switch is pressed, the contacts of the upper circuit deform downward and contact the plate of the lower circuit. After the finger is released, the contacts of the upper circuit rebound, the circuit is disconnected, and the loop triggers a signal.
The specific materials of membrane switches include:
?Panel?: usually made of materials such as polycarbonate PC or polyester PET, which have good chemical resistance and wear resistance.
?Upper circuit and lower circuit?: made by printing contact circuits with conductive paste on flexible polycarbonate or polyester film.
?Isolation layer?: used to isolate the upper circuit and the lower circuit to prevent short circuit.
?Adhesive?: used to fix the membrane switch in the desired position?.
What is metal dome?
Metal dome is a thin sheet-like element made of metal material (such as stainless steel, beryllium copper, spring steel, brass, etc.) with elasticity and a specific shape. It can deform when subjected to external force and quickly return to its original shape after the external force is removed. This property makes metal dome an ideal choice for realizing multiple functions such as mechanical transmission, electrical connection or disconnection, pressure sensing, etc.
Metal domes have a variety of shapes, including round, triangular, oval, cross, etc., and these different shapes enable them to adapt to different application requirements.
In addition, the manufacturing process of metal dome includes stamping, etching, etc., which ensures its accuracy and performance.
What are the characteristics of metal dome?
The metal dome switch is a small electronic switch that uses the elastic deformation of the metal dome to realize the circuit on and off. It has the following characteristics and advantages:
1. Small size: The metal dome switch is usually installed on the circuit board using surface mount technology (SMT), which takes up little space and is very suitable for the application of small electronic equipment.
2. Good operating feel: The metal dome switch will give the user obvious hand feedback when pressed and released. It enables the user to clearly feel the operating state of the switch, improving the accuracy and reliability of the operation.
3. High reliability: The metal dome switch has good mechanical and electrical properties and can work stably in various harsh environments. Metal domes are usually made of materials with good elasticity and conductivity such as stainless steel and copper. After precision processing and surface treatment, they have high strength and corrosion resistance.
4. Fast response speed: The metal dome switch has a very fast response speed and can realize the on-off control of the circuit in an instant. The fast response feature enables the user’s operation to get timely feedback, which improves the efficiency of equipment use.
5. Low cost: The manufacturing cost of metal dome switches is relatively low, which is mainly due to its simple structure and mature manufacturing process. Metal dome switches are usually composed of metal domes, contact points, shells and pins, with simple structures and easy production.
How does a metal dome switch work?
The working principle of metal dome switches is based on the elastic deformation of metal domes. When external force acts on the metal dome switch, the metal dome will deform elastically, bend or move toward the contact point, and contact the contact point, so that the circuit is turned on. When the external force disappears, the metal dome returns to its original state by its own elasticity, separates from the contact point, and the circuit is disconnected.
The contact point of the metal dome switch is usually made of conductive materials, such as metal contacts or conductive rubber. When the metal dome contacts the contact point, the current can flow in the circuit through the metal dome and the contact point to achieve the conduction of the circuit. When the metal dome is separated from the contact point, the circuit is disconnected and the current cannot flow.
What are the application areas of metal dome switches?
Due to its small size, good operating feel, high reliability, fast response speed and low cost, metal dome switches are widely used in various small electronic devices, such as mobile phones, tablets, smart watches, remote controls, keyboards, mice, game controllers, etc.
In addition, metal dome switches can also be used in industrial control, automotive electronics, medical equipment and other fields to realize circuit on-off control and function switching.
In mobile phones and tablets, metal dome switches are usually used for power switches, volume adjustments, buttons and other functions.
In smart watches, metal dome switches can realize power switches, function switching, buttons and other functions.
In remote controls, metal dome switches are used for various button functions, such as power switches, channel switching, volume adjustments, etc.
In keyboards and mice, metal dome switches are used for button functions, providing good hand feedback and fast response.
In game controllers, metal dome switches are used for various operation buttons, such as direction keys, function keys, etc., to provide accurate operation feedback and fast response.
In short, small electronic switches play a vital role in electronic equipment, and metal dome switches, as the best among small electronic switches, have become sophisticated controllers of the electronic world with their unique performance and wide application.
