Learning Intentions
- To learn how switches allow the control of electric current
- To learn about some of the switches that are used in electronics
Notes
Here is a picture of a light switch that Mr. Renwick used when visiting Cuba.
- How does it work?
- Why is it dangerous?
Assignment
- Build a circuit where a tact switch turns on a single LED.
- Build a circuit where a tact switch turns on 2 LED’s at the same time.
- Build a circuit with 2 LED’s where you can use a slide switch to decide which LED is on.
- Add a tact switch to the previous circuit that must be pushed for either LED to turn on.
- Hard question: Build a circuit where an LED is on when the tact switch is not pushed, and off when the switch is pushed.
Types of Switches
Pushbutton Switches
- Normally open (NO) pushbutton switch
- Normally closed (NC) pushbutton switch
Toggle Switches
- Single pole single throw (SPST) toggle switch
- Double pole single throw (DPST) toggle switch
- Single pole double throw (SPDT) toggle switch
- Double pole double throw (DPDT) toggle switch
Slide Switches
- Double pole single throw (DPST) slide switch
- Double pole double throw (DPDT) slide switch
DIP (Dual Inline Package) Switches
Tilt Switch
Mercury Tilt Switch and Reed Switch (1:16)
Datasheets
Datasheet – Switch Slide – A107673-ND
Datasheet – Switch Tactile – 450-1650-ND, 450-1642-ND
Datasheet – Switch DIP 2 Position – CT2102MS-ND
Questions
- Build a circuit where a tact switch turns on an LED.
- Build a circuit where a tact switch turns on 2 LED’s.
- Build a circuit where an LED is on when the switch is not pushed, and off when the switch is pushed.
- Build a circuit with 2 LED’s, where you can use a switch to decide which LED is turned on.