ThiNcoder® Rotary Switch -- Longer Life, Lower Resistance, Increased Value

New testing of the thiNcoder rotary switch, a Duraswitch technology, constructed with copper-on-flex circuits has recently proven a significantly longer life, up to 500,000 rotations as well as lower resistance.

(PRWEB) July 13, 2003 -- New testing of the thiNcoder rotary switch, a Duraswitch technology, constructed with copper-on-flex circuits has recently proven a significantly longer life, up to 500,000 rotations as well as lower resistance. This enhancement to our thiNcoder technology brings a new level of value-added performance for rotary switches", said Tony Van Zeeland, COO and executive vice president engineering.

We were excited to hear the news of the longer life that the thiNcoder could provide to our clients", stated Mr. Peter Graham, Co-President of GGI International. As the sole Canadian licensee of Duraswitch technologies, these findings only strengthen our stance of being able to provide our clients with interface solutions that focus on quality, reliability and innovation".

A standard rating of 25,000 rotations is common for most rotary switches. Duraswitchs thiNcoder with carbon over silver flex circuits is rated at 100,000 rotations. With the copper-on-flex circuit, that rating jumps to 500,000 rotations. When longer life is required, optical encoders hard-wired or on PCB provide an extremely long life, but also carry a premium price. By combining a copper-on-flex circuit with Duraswitch thiNcoder, designers now have another option for long-life applications.

Comparison Table:

Standard/Common Rotary Switch
(25,000 rotations)

thiNcoder RT --
Carbon over silver flex circuit   
(100,000 rotations)

thiNcoder RT --
Copper-on-flex circuit   
(500,000 rotations)

As well as longer life the thiNcoder with copper-on-flex circuit showed lower circuit resistance. Initial resistance is less than 2 Ohms.

"Our licensees have a strong advantage in the marketplace with this new development," said Tim Kuhn vice president business development for Duraswitch. "thiNcoder technology already has the unique advantage of integration on flex, and now offers a significant cost advantage for long-life applications."

Duraswitch's thiNcoder technology is the only rotary switch that can be integrated on flex circuit. The thiNcoder can function as an encoder or a selector switch, offers customizable detent and stop options, requires no soldering, and no secondary assembly processes. The thiNcoder EZI 2.0 can function as a five-bit encoder, a two-bit repeating Gray code, or a selector switch. Absolute five-bit, 32-position encoding provides a distinct electrical output at each detent position, using only six connections.

About GGI:
GGI International is Canadas leading manufacturer of membrane switches, interface solutions, graphic overlays and other related products. As the sole Canadian licensee of Duraswitch® technologies, GGI manufactures, markets and distributes such next generation switch technologies as PushGate®, thiNcoder® RT and MagnaMouse to the world market. GGI is ISO 9001:2000 certified, a member of the SGIA (Screenprinting and Graphic Imaging Association) as well as UL/CSA approved supplier for certain constructions. Visit www.ggi-international.com or call 514.332.6960 for more information.

About Duraswitch:
Duraswitch is an innovator in the design and development of electronic switch technologies. Licensing its intellectual property to established switch manufacturers and OEMs, Duraswitch brings together its expertise in switch design with their marketing and manufacturing capabilities to commercialize the technology for a wide range of commercial and industrial controls. Visit www.duraswitch.com or call 480.586.3300 for more information.

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