Chapter 9. Position

9.1. Mechanical Switch

A simple contact-type transducer converts displacement into an electrical signal and may take the form of a mechanically operated switch (Figure 9.1).

Figure 9.1

Switches are specified as single or double pole (one or two rows of parallel contacts), single or double throw (center contact switches from one contact to another). The size of the contact pads depends upon the current and the type of load in the circuit. For high-voltage switching, the contacts are immersed in oil to reduce the occurrence of arcing.

The main problem with switches in interfacing applications is that of bounce. Most switches ...

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