The SPVM Series of vertical-type detector switches and the SPVN Series of horizontal-type detector switches recently developed by ALPS are the smallest in the world in terms of cubic volume.

ALPS will begin providing samples of the SPVM Series during the first part of May and of the SPVN Series during the last part of August.

Both series will be on display at the ALPS SHOW 2002, which will be held in Hiten Hall at the New Takanawa Hotel in Minato-ku, Tokyo, over a three-day period from May 15, 2002.

Portable devices such as digital cameras and mobile telephones are incorporating an increasing number of capabilities, which is driving advances in miniaturization. Smaller and thinner detector switches are needed for applications such as detecting the position of mobile phone flip lids, anti-shock devices for portable audio players and other uses requiring the detection of the status of a mechanism.

In response to the demand for such devices, ALPS developed two new types of detector switch, the SPVM Series and the SPVN Series. The SPVM Series features an actuator lever that is vertical with respect to the substrate, while the SPVN Series actuator lever is horizontal with respect to the substrate.

Both series feature a double-sided sliding contact system, incorporating a sliding contact with a clip-type fixed contact and return spring. This system is resistant to dust, grit and other foreign substances, as well as vibration and shock, which makes these switches extremely reliable. In addition, the availability of both vertical and horizontal systems makes these detector switches highly versatile.

The enhanced miniaturization of the sliding contact and other components allowed us to achieve dimensions of 2.8 mm (W) x 3.5 mm (D) x 1.5 mm (H) for the SPVM Series, and 3.8 mm (W) x 4.25 mm (D) x 1 mm (H) for the SPVN Series, making them the smallest class of detector switches in the world. This represents a reduction in cubic volume of 70% over ALPS' SPVG Series.

These smaller switches will allow component manufacturers to design smaller products, and will contribute to freedom of design in electronic products.

The world's smallest detector switches, designed in response to the miniaturization of portable electronic devices

• The SPVM Series represents a 37% reduction in cubic volume over ALPS' SPVE Series. The SPVN Series realizes a reduction in cubic volume of 70% over ALPS' SPVG Series, making them the smallest class of detector switches in the world.
• These switches use a highly reliable double-sided sliding contact system, which is resistant to foreign substances such as dust and grit as well as vibration and shock.
• The availability of both vertical- and horizontal-mount switches gives component designers a high degree of flexibility.