New gold-plated, washable DIP switches enable high-density PCB layouts in space-constrained designs
Littelfuse/C&K Introduces TDB Series Ultra-Miniature Half-Pitch Surface-Mount DIP Switches
Littelfuse, Inc., a diversified industrial technology manufacturing company empowering a sustainable, connected, and safer world, today announced the launch of the Littelfuse/C&K® TDB Series, an ultra-miniature, half-pitch surface-mount DIP switch family engineered to support high-density PCB designs where space, reliability, and manufacturability are critical.
As electronic systems continue to shrink, design engineers face growing challenges fitting configuration and addressing switches into increasingly compact layouts without compromising electrical performance or assembly yield. The TDB Series addresses these challenges by significantly reducing the internal mechanism size, delivering a 1.27 mm half-pitch footprint that enables higher component density while maintaining robust electrical and mechanical reliability.
The TDB Series features gold-plated bifurcated contacts for stable, low-resistance signal integrity and a top-tape sealed construction that supports automated surface-mount soldering and post-reflow aqueous cleaning. Designed as a complementary solution to C&K’s TDA Series, the TDB Series expands design flexibility for applications requiring ultra-compact, surface-mount DIP switches.
With contact ratings up to 50 V DC, 100 mA (steady state), and a mechanical and electrical life of 1,000 cycles, the TDB Series supports reliable configuration settings across a wide range of low-power control systems. The switches are compatible with standard SMT processes and are supplied in tube or tape-and-reel packaging to support high-volume production environments.
“When space is critical, and reliability is non-negotiable, the TDB Series delivers exactly what design engineers need,” said Jesus Santos, Global Product Manager at Littelfuse. “Its ultra-miniature footprint, gold-plated contacts, and washable sealing enable confident designs even in dense, demanding applications.”
Target Markets and Applications
The TDB Series is well-suited for:
- Industrial control equipment
- Power supplies and inverter systems
- Security and fire alarm systems
- Building automation and smoke detection
- Consumer IoT and smart home devices
TDB DIP Switches FAQs
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What differentiates the TDB Series from traditional DIP switches?
The TDB Series uses a half-pitch (1.27 mm) surface-mount design that significantly reduces PCB footprint while supporting automated SMT assembly and washable processing.
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How does the top-tape seal benefit manufacturing?
The seal protects internal contacts during reflow soldering and aqueous cleaning, improving yield and long-term reliability in high-volume production.
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What electrical performance can designers expect?
TDB switches offer up to 50 V DC, 100 mA steady-state contact ratings, a maximum contact resistance of 100 mΩ, and a 1,000-cycle mechanical and electrical life.
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Which configurations are available?
The series is available in 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10-position options, allowing designers to match configuration density to application requirements.
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How does TDB fit within C&K’s DIP switch portfolio?
TDB complements the TDA Series by providing a more compact, half-pitch alternative for designs where PCB space is at a premium.
Availability
The TDB DIP Switches are available in tube or tape-and-reel packaging. Request samples through any authorized Littelfuse distributor worldwide. For a listing of Littelfuse distributors, please go here.
