Littelfuse, an industrial technology manufacturing company shaping solutions for the safe and efficient transfer of electrical energy, today announced the launch of the Littelfuse/C&K SDE Series, a low-profile, end-stackable surface-mount DIP switch family engineered to give design engineers space-saving flexibility in compact, space-limited designs.
Industrial control panels, security and fire systems, and IoT devices increasingly require configurable switch banks that fit into tighter board space. Many conventional DIP switch packages fix the position count and complicate automated assembly and washable board processing. The SDE Series addresses this challenge with a modular, end-stackable architecture that lets designers expand switch positions within a standard 0.1″ integrated circuit pitch, supporting scalable configurations without redesigning the printed circuit board.
The SDE Series features copper alloy contacts with gold plate over nickel plate for consistent, reliable switching performance, and a top-tape-sealed construction that supports automated surface-mount insertion and washable processing. All plastics used in the series are UL 94V-0 grade fire retardant, and the switches are RoHS compliant and halogen-free.
With a contact rating of 24 V DC, 25 mA (switching) and 100 mA (non-switching), and a mechanical and electrical life of 1,000 cycles, the SDE Series supports reliable, repeatable configuration settings across a wide range of low-power control applications. Available in up to 12 positions, the switches are supplied in tube or tape-and-reel packaging to support high-volume production environments.
“When design flexibility and space optimization are critical, customers need more than a standard DIP switch,” said Jesus Santos, Global Product Manager at Littelfuse. “The SDE Series addresses these challenges with its unique end-stackable architecture, allowing engineers to easily scale and reconfigure their designs without increasing PCB footprint. Combined with its low-profile design, gold-plated contacts, and process-ready sealing, the SDE Series helps customers improve reliability, simplify manufacturing, and reduce development time in today’s compact and high-density applications.”
Features and Benefits
The SDE Series delivers:
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- Space-saving flexibility enabling easy configuration expansion in space-limited designs
- End-stackable design with a standard 0.1″ integrated circuit pitch
- Reliable switching performance with copper alloy contacts, gold plate over nickel plate
- Molded 0.3″ integrated circuit packing outline allowing automatic insertion
- Top tape sealed to enable washable processing
- Fire-safe construction with all plastics UL 94V-0 grade fire retardant
- RoHS compliant and halogen-free for acceptance in worldwide markets
The new DIP switches provide flexibility, reliability, and safety in a compact package designed for automated assembly.
Target Markets and Applications
The SDE Series is well-suited for:
- Industrial control electronics in industrial systems
- Garage door systems and controls in building automation systems
- Security and fire alarm systems
- IoT devices for consumer electronics
SDE DIP Switches FAQs
1. What differentiates the SDE Series from traditional DIP switches?
The SDE Series uses a modular, end-stackable design that lets designers expand switch positions side-by-side within a standard 0.1″ integrated circuit pitch, enabling scalable configurations without redesigning the PCB.
2. How does the tape seal benefit manufacturing?
The top-tape seal supports washable processing and protects internal contacts during automated surface-mount insertion and post-assembly cleaning, improving yield and long-term reliability in high-volume production.
3. What electrical performance can designers expect?
SDE switches offer a contact rating of 24 V DC, 25 mA (switching) and 100 mA (non-switching), a maximum contact resistance of 100 mΩ, and a 1,000-cycle mechanical and electrical life.
4. Which configurations are available?
The series is available in 1 through 10 and 12-position configurations, in flush or extended actuator styles with gull-wing termination, allowing designers to match configuration density to application requirements.
5. How do the SDE switches fit within C&K’s DIP switch portfolio?
SDE switches complement C&K’s existing DIP switch families by introducing a unique end-stackable capability, giving engineers a modular, scalable alternative for designs where board space and configuration flexibility are both priorities.
