NKK Launches New Smartswitch(TM) Website


SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (March 2, 2007) - NKK Switches, an industry leader in the design and manufacturing of electromechanical switches, today launched a renewed SmartSwitch(TM) website that has a brand new look and features a more user-friendly interface and navigation features to aid customers in selecting the right SmartSwitch from the extensive product line.

By highlighting more end product applications, the new website, www.nkksmartswitch.com, is specifically designed to create a better understanding among design engineers as to what they can do with the SmartSwitch. Updates to the website include an expanded products area that provides users with more details and specifications for the entire product line. NKK also added an accessories section that includes information on couplers, panel mount housing, sockets and battery boxes, as well as a logic boards section.

Solely dedicated to the SmartSwitch, www.nkksmartswitch.com allows engineers to program the software controlled pushbutton switch directly online. In this virtual environment, engineers can visualize ideas, experiment with different layout designs, validate and test programs, and save projects in a file created for them by NKK Switches. If an engineer likes his creation, the complete prototype can be purchased and received within days.

The SmartSwitch website also offers 3D CAD downloads to aid design engineers in all aspects of design related to PCB and panel design, including space studies, design efficiencies and more.

Suited for a wide variety of applications, the SmartSwitch programmable LCD switches are essential for any application requiring user interface. Displaying industry-specific text and graphics with real-time sequencing, the SmartSwitch simplifies and improves complex, multi-decision operations. Possible applications include industrial control panels, communication systems, audio-video broadcast workstations and simulation equipment.

NKK launched a compact version of the SmartSwitch in 2006 that is ideal for systems and designs where size is an issue and user interface is required. The compact SmartSwitch, which is distinguished by its smaller footprint, features the same electrical and performance specifications of the original SmartSwitch. The compact SmartSwitch's LCD is a wide, high-contrast viewing area of 13.9 X 10.6 mm with a 36 X 24 pixel resolution to maximize clarity.

NKK's entire SmartSwitch line features low energy consumption, which is important for panel designs, with typical forward current (If) rated 15mA and typical power dissipation (PD) rated 130mW.

The SmartSwitch can be specified in single, bicolor and RGB versions. With the RGB version, design engineers are able to create virtually any color illumination with one switch. Principle to the success of RGB illumination in NKK's SmartSwitch is the quality of red, green and blue LEDs used in the packaging. With high quality LEDs for superior color matching, the SmartSwitch enables designers to create customized control panels with project specific colors, including RGB white.

NKK's SmartSwitch product line can be programmed to display an infinite variety of text, graphics, or moving images. Mechanical life and electrical life are both rated at 1,000,000 operations minimum.

A leading designer and producer of electromechanical switches, NKK Switches offers one of the industry's most extensive selections of illuminated, process sealed, miniature, specialty and surface mount switches. The company manufactures more than four million toggle, rocker, pushbutton, slide, rotary and DIP rotary, keypad and keylock switches. NKK Switches maintains a complete network of qualified representatives and distributors through the United States, Canada, Central and South America, Europe and Asia.

NKK Switches is keenly aware of the myriad of issues that are covered under the RoHS directive. With more than 50 years of experience in the switch industry and as an environmentally-conscious company, NKK is committed to not only providing high quality products and services, but also providing environmentally safe products for its valued customers. NKK continues to lead the industry in responding to the needs of the marketplace with innovation, high reliability and a commitment to excellence.

For more information, contact NKK Switches, 7850 E. Gelding Dr., Scottsdale, AZ 85260. Phone 480-991-0942. Fax 480-998-1435. Or visit the NKK Switches Web site at www.nkkswitches.com.

Emily J. Butler
Assoc. Director PR
Martz Agency
480.998.3154 p
480.998.7985 f

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