Difference between revisions of "Switches"

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== Switch Basics ==
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A switch is often to turn something on or off. In the simplest case it is just a wire that is connected or not. Unplugging an appliance is one way to switch it off. A switch is usually a mechanical device where some sort of handle connects or disconnects conductors inside the switch. Another way of thinking of a switch is that it is like a resistor that sometimes has infinite resistance and sometimes has 0 resistance. A computer keyboard is made of a large number of switches. Some switches stay in the on or off position, others only stay on or off while you switch them, these are called momentary switches. A light switch is normally not momentary, a doorbell switch normally is momentary.
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Uses:
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*On Off control
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*Range change, as in a meter
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*Data input
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Links
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*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrical_switch Switch From Wikipedia,the free encyclopedia ( inc. Schematic and Picture )]
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*[http://www.kpsec.freeuk.com/components/switch.htm Switches]
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== Relays ==
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== needs cleanup ==
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varc4tb
 
varc4tb
 
[[Switch Terminology]] _P_T - SPST - SPDT - DPST - DPDT - 3PDT - ....
 
[[Switch Terminology]] _P_T - SPST - SPDT - DPST - DPDT - 3PDT - ....

Revision as of 15:23, 7 February 2008

Switch Basics

A switch is often to turn something on or off. In the simplest case it is just a wire that is connected or not. Unplugging an appliance is one way to switch it off. A switch is usually a mechanical device where some sort of handle connects or disconnects conductors inside the switch. Another way of thinking of a switch is that it is like a resistor that sometimes has infinite resistance and sometimes has 0 resistance. A computer keyboard is made of a large number of switches. Some switches stay in the on or off position, others only stay on or off while you switch them, these are called momentary switches. A light switch is normally not momentary, a doorbell switch normally is momentary.

Uses:

  • On Off control
  • Range change, as in a meter
  • Data input

Links


Relays

needs cleanup

varc4tb Switch Terminology _P_T - SPST - SPDT - DPST - DPDT - 3PDT - ....

Relays Relays - Use these to control large power sources that a microcontroller cannot do alone