Molex Advanced Switch and Switch Assembly Technologies

Molex offers OEMs and their design engineers a comprehensive array of advanced switch and switch assembly options suitable for virtually every type of electronic device user interface. Industries served by Molex include: appliance, automotive, industrial equipment, medical device and diagnostics, military, telecoms and a range of other product manufacturing sectors.

“As the largest flat panel switch manufacturer in the world, the Molex team provides customers with innovative and cost-effective switch designs and options that match their product concepts and budget,” states Todd Hester, vice president and general manager of printed circuit products, Molex.

Membrane switches provide durable, lightweight and low-profile options for integrating user interfaces and electronic components. Custom keypad and switch solutions may include membrane switches, embedded LEDs, display flex assemblies, polyester or metal dome arrays, PCB-substrate passive and active front panel keypads, and silicone rubber keypad assemblies.

“Whether the application requires a simple membrane switch or a complex control panel assembly, Molex has the technology, capacity and imagination to turn ideas into functionality,” notes Hester. “The seasoned switch engineering team ensures ease of integration, with in-house technologies that employ the latest advances in screen printing, electronic component bonding and printed circuit board assemblies.”

Molex’s switch capabilities include:

· Low-profile control panel assemblies that are ideal for touch-pad applications, combining both the switch contact system and custom electronics into one complete package.

· Membrane switches with bonded LED assemblies. LED/display flex-circuit substrates offer a small, thin, highly reliable solution. Applying LEDs to flex circuits can now be accomplished with high-speed SMT and proprietary bonding technology.

· Capacitive switches that incorporate solid-state circuitry in a robust interface that is highly resistant to multiple key presses, water, dirt, contaminants and EMI.

· Rubber keypads for more switch travel, tactile and cosmetic appeal, offer the reliability of membrane switches with the aesthetics of silicone-rubber keypads.

· New to the market, the low-profile ClipLok™ mechanical spring clip connector easily attaches the membrane switch tail to a PCB for reduced assembly costs and a less bulky alternative to other connection methods.

“Molex builds upon its proven reliability testing and validation methods across its global network of labs. The results are high-quality products developed, manufactured and delivered in ever-faster time to market,” adds Hester.