C&K has developed a microminiature, surface-mount detect switch. Designated the HDT series, the switch sits just 3.5 mm off the PC board and is designed for both top and side actuation.

"With an extended temperature range and long electrical and mechanical life, the HDT series detect switch is ideal for Advanced Mezzanine Card (AMC) applications," said Worldwide Product Manager for C&K "This detect switch is currently implemented as a reference design for the handle mechanism on AMC cards." AMC product standards are designed to support ATCA and MicroTCA systems that are being increasingly employed in telecommunications, server, medical, and military applications.

The HDT series microminiature detect switch features a long operational life of 100,000 cycles. The maximum actuation force is only 35 g. Pre-travel is 0.30 mm with over-travel of 0.75 mm. The maximum contact resistance is 500 mΩ, with a maximum contact rating of 1 mA at 5 V_DC. Operating temperature ranges from -40°C to +85°C. The switches are pick-and-place compatible and available in tape-and-reel packaging.