What is a DIP Switch?​

Definition

DIP Switches

DIP Switches are miniature switches that are mounted onto PCBs and used to make settings on electronic devices.

Their name comes from having the same shape and array of terminals found in integrated circuits (dual inline package), thus abbreviated to DIP.

Features

Small Size Low ProfileThe standard size is 2.54 mm for the distance between neighboring terminals (pitch), and 3.5 mm for the height. We have also been able to miniaturize this down to a pitch of 1.25 mm.
High Contact ReliabilityDIP Switches are only used to change settings and therefore are not manipulated often. We have designed our DIP Switches with the optimal materials and mechanisms to maintain high contact reliability.
Automatic MountingWe utilize the same packaging as other components (stick, taping, etc.) so that the same mounting equipment can be used for automatic mounting.

DIP Switches are categorized as setting switches, and the setting conditions are output as ON/OFF signals.

Models

There are three operation methods for DIP Switches: Sliding Types, Piano Types and Rotary Types.
Each of these categories then has two terminal types depending on the method used to mount the switch to a PCB: PCB Insert Hole Terminals and PCB Surface Mounted Terminals.
The shape of the operating part is either Flat or Convex for Sliding Types, Short Lever or Long Lever for Piano Types and Flat or Shaft for Rotary Types.

 Sliding Types
 Flat/Convex TypesFlat Types
PCB
Insert Hole Terminals
A6T-Standard Types Standard TypesA6TN-High-reliability Types High-reliability TypesA6E-Box Types Box TypesA6D-Sealed Types Sealed Types 
PCB
Surface Mounted Terminals
A6SN-High-reliability Types High-reliability TypesA6S-H_High Soldering Heat-resistant Types High Soldering Heat-resistant Types  A6H,A6HF-Half-pitch Types Half-pitch Types
 Piano Types
 Short Lever/Long Lever TypesLong Lever Types
PCB Insert Hole
Terminals
A6T-Box Types Box TypesA6TN-Low-profile Types Low-profile TypesA6TN-Sealed Types Sealed Types
PCB Surface Mounted
Terminals
A6SR-Low-profile Types Low-profile TypesA6HR-Half-pitch Types Half-pitch Types 
 Rotary Types
 Flat/Shaft TypesFlat Types
PCB Insert hole
Terminals
A6R-Standard Types Standard TypesA6A-Sealed Types Sealed TypesA6C-Miniature Sealed Types Miniature Sealed Types
PCB Surface Mounted
Terminals
A6SN-Standard Types Standard TypesA6S-H_Miniature Types Miniature Types 

1. Operating Part

There are three different types of switching methods based on the operating part: Sliding Types, in which the operating part is slid, Piano Types, in which the operating part is pushed down and Rotary Types, in which the operating part is rotated. There are also variations in the shape of each operating part within these three categories.

Sliding Types

Convex TypesFlat TypesFlat Types with Seal Tape
Convex TypesFlat TypesFlat Types with Seal Tape

Piano Types

Short-lever TypesLong-lever Types
Short-lever TypesLong-lever Types

Rotary Types

Flat TypesShaft TypesCone TypesWheel Types
Flat TypesShaft TypesCone Types Wheel Types

2. Terminals

Terminals vary based on the number of contacts, whether PCB Insert Hole Terminals or PCB Surface Mounted Terminals are used, and whether the Standard Pich (2.54 mm) or a Half Pich (1.27 mm) is used.

Mounting Methods

PCB Insert Hole TerminalsPCB Surface Mounted Terminals
PCB Insert Hole TerminalsPCB Surface Mounted Terminals

Pitches

Standard Pich (2.54 mm)Half Pich (1.27 mm)
Standard Pich (2.54 mm)Half Pich (1.27 mm)

Select the terminals, pitch and height based on the components that will be on the PCB along with the switch.

Structures

stractures

1 Cover

The cover is connected to the base to protect the internal mechanisms of the switch.

2 Strikers

Use an implement with a fine tip to set the strikers to the ON or OFF positions.
A contact force is applied to the wiper to maintain stable contact between the wiper and the contact.

3 Wiper

The wiper is a V-shaped moving contact.
The wiper moves along with the striker to either open or close the connection between the two contacts and turn the switch ON and OFF.

4 Contact Terminal

The contact terminal is built into the base.
There are two types of terminals: ones that are inserted into insert holes on a PCB and ones that are mounted on the surface of a PCB.

5 Base

The base is molded with contact terminal into a single unit. It protects the inside of the switch along with the cover.

Lineup

Applications

Mode Settings for Factory Automation and Industrial Equipment

  • Temperature controllers, servo controllers and other factory automation control devices
  • Automatic mounting machines

Temperature Controllers

Temperature Controllers

Servo Controllers

Servo Controllers

Automatic Mounting Machines

Automatic Mounting Machines

Specifications Settings for PC Peripherals and Communications Equipment

  • PC and modem PCBs

PC

PC

Modems

Modems