Using On-Off switch on PCB
gyuunyuu1989 , 06-13-2023, 11:44 AM
I am looking for a simple On-Off switch that can be mounted on PCB and be used to turn the power on-off to the rest of the board. For future proofing purpose I intend that the switch support atleast 500mA at 18V. I am petrified at the wide variety of switches that I find on the seller websites.
The thing that is confusing me is the way the switches are categorized with terms like:
On-On
On-(Off)
(On)-Off
On-Mom-On
On-Off
Off-On
...
On top this the next layer of confusion is :
SPST
SPDT
DPST
DPDT
...
What I need is a switch that:
1. Can be pushed and released to turn ON and then pushed and released to turn OFF.
OR
2. Can be flicked one to turn ON and then the other way to turn OFF.
The switch needs to be face upwards rather than sidewars and will be mounted on the PCB.
I found a few push switches but they all had 100mA current rating. I did not understand how a switch can have such low current rating, I mean they all are made of chunks of metal. Thus, my search continues. I never realized that finding the right switch could cause my head to split. Are you able to recommend a part that you have used in the past?
The thing that is confusing me is the way the switches are categorized with terms like:
On-On
On-(Off)
(On)-Off
On-Mom-On
On-Off
Off-On
...
On top this the next layer of confusion is :
SPST
SPDT
DPST
DPDT
...
What I need is a switch that:
1. Can be pushed and released to turn ON and then pushed and released to turn OFF.
OR
2. Can be flicked one to turn ON and then the other way to turn OFF.
The switch needs to be face upwards rather than sidewars and will be mounted on the PCB.
I found a few push switches but they all had 100mA current rating. I did not understand how a switch can have such low current rating, I mean they all are made of chunks of metal. Thus, my search continues. I never realized that finding the right switch could cause my head to split. Are you able to recommend a part that you have used in the past?
qdrives , 06-13-2023, 01:44 PM
Have you looked at some datasheets?
Often, if not always, they show the schematic with the 'names'.
SP = Single Pole
DP = Double Pole
ST = Single Through
DT = Double Through
There can be more than 2 like 3PDT, SP4T, etc.
On = there is a connection in this position
Off = switch can be in this position, but there is no connection
Mon = connection is this position, but spring pushes it back (Momentary).
Often, if not always, they show the schematic with the 'names'.
SP = Single Pole
DP = Double Pole
ST = Single Through
DT = Double Through
There can be more than 2 like 3PDT, SP4T, etc.
On = there is a connection in this position
Off = switch can be in this position, but there is no connection
Mon = connection is this position, but spring pushes it back (Momentary).
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