Information about Rotary Coded DIP Switches

Rotary coded dual in-line package (DIP) switches are activated by a rotating shaft and have several stop positions. They use the DIP form factor so that arrays of multiple switches can be incorporated into a single package. Rotary coded DIP switches are mounted on printed circuit boards (PCBs) in order to control the behavior of electronic devices. Some rotary coded DIP switches are actuated with a screwdriver. Others include flywheels or push wheels that are turned manually. Actuators either rotate continuously or stop between positions. Changing the position of the rotating shaft generates a circuit code in binary format. Common formats include binary coded decimal (BCD) and Gray code. Other options include the octal and hexadecimal systems. The octal system uses eight digits: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7. The hexadecimal system used 16 symbols: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, A, B, C, D, E and F. Octal and hexadecimal complements are available.

Products & Services Related to Rotary Coded DIP Switches

DIP Switches

Dual in-line package (DIP) switches are electronic packages that consist of a series of tiny switches. DIP switches are used to configure computers and peripherals such as circuit boards and modems.

Pushbutton Switches

Pushbutton switches are mechanical switches defined by the method used to activate the switch. The activation method is typically in the form of a plunger that is pushed down to open or close the switch.

Reed Switches

Reed switches are magnetically actuated switches. They are typically manufactured with two ferromagnetic reeds (contact blades), which are sealed in a glass capsule. In the presence of a magnet, the blades (contacts) close.

Snap Action Switches

Snap action switches are mechanical switches that produce a very rapid transfer of contacts from one position to another. They are useful in situations that require a fast opening or closing of a circuit, such as a mouse button or appliance setting.