DIP Switch

 DIP Switch

  Dual Inline Package Switch

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. Actuator choices for DIP switches include slide actuators, rocker actuators, and side actuated levers (piano).  A slide actuator configuration can have raised or recessed slides.  A rocker actuator configuration can have raised or recessed rockers.  A side actuated lever configuration is typically called piano style, the "keys" are pressed down to actuate.  The number of positions available is equivalent to the number of actuators on the DIP switch.

What is a DIP Switch?

DIP is short for Dual In-Line Package. A DIP switch is a set of electrical switches packaged in a small box or housing. They are designed to be mounted on printed circuit boards to provide a range of electrical inputs to an electronic device based on the position of the individual switches. Typically, they are arranged in a line or circle (rotary DIP).

DIP switches are an alternative to jumper blocks. Their main advantages are the ability to quickly change positions and the fact there are no parts to lose. In recent times DIP switches have lessened in popularity due to the rise of easily customizable software configurations.

Introduction of DIP Switch

From the name dual in-line package (DIP) means that it is an electronic device package having a rectangular casing and two parallel rows of electrical connecting terminals/pins which can be easily mounted on PCB(Printed Circuit Board). DIP switch consists of a packaged set of switches which can be installed on Printed circuit boards/bread boards.

This type of switch is designed to be used on a printed circuit board along with other electronic components to customize the behaviour of an electronic device in specific situations.They are found on motherboards, expansion cards or auxiliary cards, etc.

In the beginning DIP Switches were used in ATARI Flipper game. Later they were used to select the IRQ(Interupt request) and memory addresses for ISA PC cards.

The switching mechanism in DIP switch can be slide, toggle or rotary styles. They are also available in SPST, SPDT, DPDT contacts terminology.

As each switch is positioned ON or OFF, the DIP switch can create an electrical signal that provides a binary signal to computers that use the numbers 0 and 1 to perform complex calculations. The values of all switches in the DIP package can also be interpreted as one number. For example,7 switches of one DIP Switch offer 128 combinations, allowing them to select a standard ASCII character whereas 8 switches of one DIP Switch offers 256 combinations.

You may see the numbers 1 and 0 on the DIP Switch instead of ON or OFF.

Most computers are using plug an play, hence most hardware does not requires manual configurations making less use of DIP Switches.

Types   

  • DIP switches can be normally open, normally closed, or three stage.
  • A normally open (NO) switch has contacts that are open or disconnected in their unactuated (normal) position.
  • A normally closed (NC) switch has contacts that are closed or connected in their unactuated (normal) position.
  • A three stage switch has three positions (e.g. ON - OFF - ON).
  • Pole and throw configurations for DIP switches can be single pole single throw (SPST), single pole double throw (SPDT), double pole single throw (DPST), or double pole double throw (DPDT).

Configurations

SPST is a switch that makes or breaks the connection of a single conductor in a single branch circuit. This switch typically has two terminals. It is commonly referred to as a "Single-Pole" Switch.

SPDT is a switch that makes or breaks the connection of a single conductor with either of two other single conductors. This switch typically has 3 terminals, and is commonly used in pairs and called a "Three-Way" switch. 

DPST is a switch that makes or breaks the connection of two circuit conductors in a single branch circuit. This switch typically has four terminals.

DPDT is a switch that makes or breaks the connection of two conductors to two separate circuits. This switch typically has six terminals and is available in both momentary and maintained contact versions.

Other types have more than 2 poles, such as switches designed to split loads into separate circuits (e.g., headlamp switch).

Characteristics of DIP Switch

1. Style: This specification describes "SMT HALF PITCH TYPE DIP SWITCHES"

2. Operating Temperature range: -40 Degree Celsius to +80 Degree Celsius.

3. Current Range:

  • Non Switching: 100mA, 50V Dc
  • Switching: 25mA, 24V Dc

4. Type of Actuation: Slide Actuation.

5. Switch Capacitance: 50pF at 1MHz.

Specifications

Important electrical switch specifications to consider when searching for DIP switches include maximum current rating, maximum AC voltage rating, maximum DC voltage rating, and maximum power rating.

Choices for terminal types on DIP switches include quick connect or blade, surface mount technology, straight PC pins, right angle PC pins, and side PC pins.

Common features for DIP switches include imprinted markings, tape and reel packaging, CE certification, CSA certification, UL listed, dustproof, and weather resistant or waterproof.

An important environmental parameter to consider is the operating temperature.

DIP Switch: Construction

Working

Dual inline package: having the same shape and array of terminals found in integrated circuits, thus abbreviated to DIP.

DIP Switches are miniature switches that are mounted onto PCBs.

When the switch is turned on (in the "closed" position) it means that the connection between the top and bottom is connected and the input signal will pass to the other side (output).

Used to make settings on electronic devices.

Applications Examples

  1. Mode Settings for Factory Automation and Industrial Equipment

  • Temperature controllers, servo controllers and other factory automation control devices
  • Temperature Controllers 
  • Automatic Mounting Machines 

  1. Specifications Settings for PC Peripherals and Communications Equipment

  • PC and modem PCBs

Applications:

  • Used as encoder/decoder for frequency setting in wireless transmitter and receiver
  • Earlier used in computer circuit boards, ceiling fan remote etc.
  • Telecommunications and other electronic devices requiring option settings.

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