piezoelectric switch

Description: Piezo film’s capabilities to generate a high voltage output under bending strain, combined with its rugged form factor, make it an ideal candidate for solid state impact switches. Rather than using a switch contact closure, the piezo film generates a pulse which is detected by electronics. Although many of the DT’s, LDT’s and FLDT’s supplied by Measurement Specialties are used for switch applications, it is sometimes convenient to have a switch with integrated electronics. The SW100 is an ideal configuration for impact detection and momentary switch applications. A direct contact force on the tip of the stainless steel cantilever beam of the SW100 induces strain on the laminated Piezo Film Sensor (PFS) element. With dynamic strain, the PFS element generates an output that activates a built-in, normally-open circuit. Once activated, the circuit resembles the closure of a contact switch, but without the inherent discontinuity that contact points exhibit because of corrosion, pitting and bouncing. Thus the SW100 provides a single digital pulse that is ideal for triggering digital circuits and signal processing. The imperviousness, elasticity and reliability of the PFS element, along with the noise rejection characteristics of the circuit, combine to provide the SW100 with features that suit applications demanding consistent, reliable performance throughout tens of millions of switching cycles. Custom options are available to fit specific customer applications. For more information on the SW100, please call one of our applications engineers.