Pushbutton Switches Flashcards
When do pushbutton switches do?
They allow momentary control of a circuit by closing or opening it when pressed.
How do pushbutton switches work?
When pressed, the internal contacts close the circuit; releasing the button open the circuit.
What are the two primary configurations of pushbutton switches?
Normally Open (NO) and Normally Closed (NC).
What is a Normally Open (NO) pushbutton switch?
A switch that remains open (disconnected) until pressed.
What is a Normally Closed (NC) pushbutton switch?
A switch that remains closed (connected) until pressed.
What are the variants of pushbutton switches?
Tactile, illuminated, non-illuminated, latching, and momentary switches.
What is a tactile pushbutton switch?
A small switch that provides a physical click or feedback when pressed.
What is an illuminated pushbutton switch?
A switch with an integrated light, often used for visual indication in control panels.
What is a latching pushbutton switch?
A switch that stays in its pressed state until pressed again to release.
What are common materials used in pushbutton switches?
Plastic, metal, and conductive rubber for contacts.
What are typical voltage and current ratings for pushbutton switches?
Whey vary but are commonly rated for 5V to 250V and 0.5A to 10A.
What is the mechanical life of a pushbutton switch?
The number of times the switch can be pressed before failure, often in the range of 100,000 to 1,000,000 cycles.
What is a debounce in pushbutton switches?
The brief period of unstable contact when the switch is pressed or released.
How can debounce be mitigated in circuits?
By using capacitors, resistors, or software-based debounce algorithms.
What is a momentary pushbutton switch?
A switch that only strays in the “on” state while being pressed.
What is the actuation force of a pushbutton switch?
The amount of force required to press the switch, typically measured in grams or Newtons.
What are common uses for pushbutton switches?
Keyboards, calculators, doorbells, and control panels.
How do illuminated pushbutton switches work?
They have an integrated LED or bulb that lights up when the switch is activated.
What is the IP rating of a pushbutton switch?
A measure of its resistance to dust and water, e.g., IP67 for waterproof switches.
How do you connect a pushbutton switch to a microcontroller?
By connecting one terminal to an input pin and the other to ground or a pull-up resistor.
What can go wrong with pushbutton switches?
Wear and tear, dirt and accumulation, contact corrosion, or mechanical failure.
What is the difference between a pushbutton and a toggle switch?
A pushbutton switch is momentary or latching, while a toggle switch stays in its position until manually changed.
What is a double-pole pushbutton switch?
A switch that can control two separate circuits simultaneously.
What are the advantages of tactile pushbutton switches?
They provide physical feedback and are compact, making them ideal for small devices.
How do you clean a pushbutton switch?
Use compressed air to remove dust or isopropyl alcohol for cleaning contacts.
What is the purpose of an anti-vandal pushbutton switch?
Designed for durability and resistance to tampering, often used in public or industrial applications.
What is a capacitive pushbutton switch?
A switch that detects touch through changes in capacitance, often used in touchscreens.
How do you ensure the longevity of a pushbutton switch?
Avoid excessive force, keep it clean, and use within its rated electrical limits.
What is the bounce time of a pushbutton switch?
The duration of contact instability during actuation, typically a few milliseconds.
What is the role of a pushbutton switch in an emergency stop circuit?
It acts as a safety mechanism to immediately disconnect power when pressed.
