Distributor Award.

ZF manufacturer of electromechanical switch and sensor solutions for the industrial market sector, has again been given recognition for the quality of support and collaboration with their Distribution network by SPDEI.

ZF topped the Electromechanical category for Distributor support, and with it being voted for by the Distributors themselves, the award is of particular significance.

SPDEI (Professional Union of Industrial Electronics Distribution) is the French Association set up to promote the development of the profession in economic, technical and regulatory areas. Electromechanical Components is one out of 9 product categories voted on, others included passives, connectors, and wireless.

This was the 23rd year of the awards and the presentation of the 2018 SPDEI trophies took place at the Automobile Club de France (Paris), under the leadership of Pascal Fernandez, the President of the Union.

 @cherryswitches #PAuto @SPDEI1

Speed and Direction Sensor Kit.

ZF Switches and Sensors have developed a very efficient modular approach to speed and direction sensing. The hall-effect sensor’s modular design allows customers to pre-select key sensor criteria including shaft length and output interface.

Supplied with a plastic housing and mounting flange all standard parts meet the requirements of IP67, and notably IP69 for harsh environmental conditions with ingress protection at depths of 20 to 60mm.

The modular design offers users a range of housing lengths of 20, 35, 45 or 60mm with alternative shaft lengths available on request (up to 80 mm).

Key features include measurements from near zero up to 20KHz, variable shaft diameter (12 to 20 mm), 2-wire, 3-wire or 4-wire output, rotatable shaft head (to determine angle of wire outlet), flexible wire orientation (horizontal or right-angle), available with open-collector, PWM or current signal outputs, typical air-gap 0.3–2.2 mm (target dependent). Options available upon request are cable interface (connector upon request) and wire harness option with customer-specific connector.

Typical applications include electric drives (stationary and mobile), automation systems, conveyor belts, and wind turbines.

Other popular sensors from ZF include the ANG- version for angular position measurements and the LIN-version for linear position measurements. Also modular designs, they offer the same flexibility and range of options as the speed and direction sensors.

Both versions provide 12 Bit resolution, are waterproof to IP68 allowing them to be used in harsh environmental conditions and comply with industrial and automotive EMC/EMI directives. The sensors are RoHS Compliant and suitable for wide air gap applications.

System designers will appreciate the compact size of the new ZF ANG- and LIN- sensor series, which require less space than other sensors offering similar performance. The mounting height is just 6.5mm which is a market leading, extremely flat design for linear and angular position sensing.

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Switch manufacturer recognised.

ZF Switches & Sensors has been awarded SPDEI award for quality of support and collaboration with its distribution network. SPDEI honoured 26 suppliers out of 110 nominees and ZF was one of three winners in ten electromechanical categories.

ZF Switches & Sensors has been awarded the SPDEI award for the quality of support and collaboration with their Distribution network. The award is of particular value as it is voted on by the Distributors themselves.

The product range consists primarily of switch and sensor products previously sold under the former CHERRY brand, following ZF’s acquisition of the company in 2008.

SPDEI (Professional Union of Industrial Electronics Distribution) is the French Association set up to promote the development of the profession in economic, technical and regulatory areas. Electromechanical Components is one out of ten product categories voted on, others include passives, connectors, standard components and high end digital.

This was the 22nd year of the awards and the presentation of the 2017 SPDEI trophies took place, as in previous years, at the Automobile Club de France (Paris), under the leadership of Pascal Fernandez, the President of the Union. This year SPDEI honoured 26 suppliers out of 110 nominees, chosen for their support and partnerships with this profession. There were 10 electromechanical categories and ZF was one of 3 winners.

 @cherryswitches #PAuto

New switch distributor!

ZF Switches & Sensors has appointed Ivory Egg as its first distributor for their KNX compatible Energy Harvesting Switching solutions.

Luke Pearson, Business Development Manager at ZF Switches & Sensors and Mark Warburton, Technical Director of Ivory Egg.

ZF manufacture a compact and highly efficient energy harvesting wireless system consisting of a generator and receiver providing network compatible wireless data transfer via RF-technology over a number of frequency bands to allow global use within different applications.

For home automation and smart buildings ZF offers installers and users independence and convenience by providing flexible wireless switching solutions to control building environments without the cost of supplying and installing cables to switch points or regularly having to replace batteries required by conventional remote control devices.

The product is available to system integrators as a wireless switch module with corresponding pairing adapter fulfilling the requirements of KNX-RF 2.0 or for OEM designs as a component energy harvesting generator, generator with PCB and antenna system, or packaged as a rocker switch, snap switch or light switch module.

Ivory Egg was established in 2005 and is acknowledged as experts in deploying KNX based systems. They work closely with integrators in the residential market with growing sales into commercial and industrial installations. They sell worldwide via their website and have a presence in the Asia-Pacific market. 

Mark Mills, Distribution Sales Manager for ZF Switches & Sensors, comments, "We are very pleased with the appointment of Ivory Egg as our distributor for our KNX compatible energy harvesting switching systems. Ivory Egg is seen as one of the “hand holders” in the UK for KNX systems and regularly hold training sessions for installers and integrators. They not only offer us an excellent sales channel but will be able to demonstrate our products at key trade shows"

"We are excited to be working with ZF to offer their range of Batteryless and Wireless keypads to the UK market,” comments Mark Warburton, Technical Director of Ivory Egg. "Using ZF keypads it is now possible for us to offer a maintenance free wireless KNX solution and because of the adaptor for standard 55x55 frames, such as Gira, the installation can look good as well." 

Appointment targets industrial sensor market.

ZF Switches and Sensors have appointed Leonardo Aguirre as their new Business Development Manager. Leon has 15 years of experience within the sensor market specializing on industrial, automotive, aerospace, medical, defence and marine applications.

Leonardo Aguirre

With experience of selling in markets as diverse as Ireland, Britain, and other Europen territories both EU and non-EU.

Mark Mills, America, comments, "Leon has in-depth knowledge of linear, angle, proximity, gear-tooth and digital vane sensors. He will be responsible for liaising with our established traditional customer base and for the acquisition of new business. His experience and technical knowledge will enable us to offer excellent local application-based support."

ZF industrial solutions is headquartered in Auerbach, Germany and supplies major OEMs in markets including white goods and appliances, control engineering, vending, switchgear, tools, off-highway vehicles (construction, materials handling, landscaping) and home and building automation.

The ZF Industrial Solutions product range consists primarily of switch and sensor products previously sold under the former CHERRY brand, following ZF’s acquisition of the company in 2008. More recently innovative Energy Harvesting RF switch solutions have been added to the product offering, opening up new and diverse business opportunities in smart building and IoT applications.

@ZF_Group #PAuto @cherryswitches

Position sensors.

ZF Electronic Systems Pleasant Prairie LLC (formerly CHERRY Industrial Solutions) has  two new sensor products. 

The new sensor products consist of a Linear Position sensor (LIN Series), as well as another angle position sensor (ANG series) to complement the existing sensor line.  “We were seeing a need in the market for a linear position sensor, particularly for applications with a wider air gap”, said Ryan Eder, Marketing Manager – ZF Electronic Systems.  “We are excited to bring this solution to our portfolio.  Additionally, while we have been successful with our current line of Angle Position sensors, our new ANG series sensor is even more compact in size.  We know design engineers will appreciate an even smaller sensor to work with”.

Currently ZF offers sensors in the following categories: Angle Position, Gear tooth Speed, Digital Vane, Magnetic Proximity (hall and reed) and Speed & Direction sensors.  The new Angle Position and Linear Position sensors are expect mid-year 2016.  This year also marks the debut of the ZF Energy Harvesting product line consisting of wireless switches that do not require batteries to operate. 

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Wireless switches without batteries.

ZF Electronic Systems* is introducing a new line of switches that don’t need wired connections and do work wirelessly without batteries. Their power source is ultimately the physical actuation of the switch; in a very nice implementation of energy harvesting, that pit of motion translates into power through an innovative penny-size micro-dynamo within the body of the switch.

One benefit to designers is a much simplified ability to implement remote switches without the need to run connecting wires, which can simplify both product design and certifications. Compared to other wireless solutions, the ZF Electronic Systems energy-harvesting switches do not require periodic battery changes or even more frequent battery status checking, and there are none of the usual battery-related switch failure mode.

Inside the familiarly sized switch housing the micro-dynamo magneto-electric generator is joined by a controller, a digital modulator and a radio; the radio can be configured for many frequencies, including those common to home, office and plant automation systems.

The first of these switches are available in snap-action or rocker configurations and others can be produced to meet customer requirements. ZF Electronic Systems is also making its tiny generator available separately from these switched. They rate its mechanical life at 1,000,000 actuations and the energy it generates at a measured 0.33 mw (actuating and releasing).  The RF transmission distance is rated up to 300 meters in open space, and up to 30 meters indoors with any type of obstruction.

*ZF Electronics was formerly known as CHERRY.

 #PAuto @CherryAmericas

Facility closes to streamline Customer support and logistics.

ZF Electronics UK Ltd, better known by its brand name CHERRY Industrial Solutions, is set to close its Luton facility at the end of the month. ZF Friedrichshafen AG, CHERRY’s parent company, is implementing a new business model similar to those already existing throughout Europe with autonomous business managers reporting direct to Germany.

Michael Groom

With the majority of its British industrial switches, sensors and energy harvesting product sales made via mainstream distributors and keyboards channelled through the British PC trade, business managers will service key accounts and large OEMs while developing new market opportunities. All commercial operations and product shipping will now be centralised at the product line HQ in Auerbach (D), ensuring continued excellent customer service and economies of scale.

Michael Groom, Managing Director of ZF Electronics UK Ltd, comments,”We would like to thank our customers for their business over the last 43 years and are doing everything we can to ensure that the change of business model will have no effect on our customer service and logistics. Maintaining a team of UK based product managers will ensure we are always available to support our customers to maximise their business growth and new product development.”

• CHERRY Electrical Products, founded in 1953, was the subject of an acquisition by The ZF Group in 2008. The well-known CHERRY brand continues to thrive under the umbrella of ZF Friedrichshafen AG and in 2013 produced more than 250 million micro switches alone.

@cherryswitches #PAuto #ZF

Waterproof push button and rocker switches.

CHERRY Industrial Solutions KC, KF and KD round waterproof switches meet IP65 specifications and provide a cost-effective switching solution for the many applications requiring protection from water and dust ingress. 

Typical applications include on and off-road vehicles, industrial handling and agricultural equipment, medical systems, powered garden tools, lawnmowers and garden sprayers.  Three product families are available: the KD and KC series of round rocker switches and the KF switch series for products requiring a pushbutton solution. 

The KC series switches are IP65 rated and designed to a fit panel cut-out of 20.20mm diameter. Illuminated and non-lighted versions are available with a black actuator and housing for the non-lighted version and red actuator with black housing and red lens for the illuminated version.  This series of single-pole, single-throw (SPST) function switches offers multiple termination options.  Electrical ratings include 16A @ 125VAC, 10A @ 250VAC, 20A @ 14VDC, 10A @ 28VDC and an EN61058 rated version in 10(4)A @ 250V.

KD series switches are available in two versions: DPST (double pole, single throw) and DPDT (double pole, double throw).  Featuring snap-in mounting to fit the same aperture sizes as the KC series, they can be supplied as illuminated or non-lighted versions and are rated for DC and AC loads to 16A @ 125VAC, 10A @ 250VAC, 20A @ 14VDC and 10A @28VDC, all models have quick connect 0.187in (4.76mm) terminals.

For applications requiring a round pushbutton switch rather than a rocker, the KF series is offered in five different versions, both SPST and DPST and both types of switch can be supplied lit and unlit as required. Maintained-action and momentary switching is a further option. The KF series has quick-connect 4.76mm terminals and is IP-65 compliant. Electrical ratings are: 20A @ 14VDC and 10A @ 28VDC, and in UL 1054 ratings of 10A @ 125VAC and 6A @ 250VAC, 1/2HP and 125/250VAC are also available. 

All three switch families have a rugged design for industrial and outdoor applications offer a mechanical life of 100,000 cycles and a long electrical life of between 6,000 and 25,000 cycles.

Switches without wires or batteries!

Cherry is introducing a new line of switches that don’t need wired connections and do work wirelessly without batteries. Their power source is ultimately the physical actuation of the switch; in a very nice implementation of energy harvesting, that pit of motion translates into power through an innovative penny-size micro-dynamo within the body of the switch.

One benefit to designers is a much simplified ability to implement remote switches without the need to run connecting wires, which can simplify both product design and certifications. Compared to other wireless solutions, the Cherry energy-harvesting switches do not require periodic battery changes or even more frequent battery status checking, and there are none of the usual battery-related switch failure mode.

Inside the familiarly sized switch housing the micro-dynamo magneto-electric generator is joined by a controller, a digital modulator and a radio; the radio can be configured for many frequencies, including those common to home, office and plant automation systems.

The first of these switches are available in snap-action or rocker configurations and others can be produced to meet customer requirements. Cherry is also making its tiny generator available separately from these switched. They rate its mechanical life at 1,000,000 actuations and the energy it generates at a measured 0.33 mw (actuating and releasing). The RF transmission distance is rated up to 300 meters in open space, and up to 30 meters indoors with any type of obstruction.

Speed sensors for industrial applications.

Alternative solutions for costly metal housed sensors

Cherry Industrial Solutions modular system speed sensors offer a reliable and cost effective alternative to conventional sensors with metal housings. The new sensors feature a plastic flange-mount housing and are suitable for many industrial applications including electric drives with speed regulation, braking systems, off-road vehicles, agricultural vehicles and trailers, industrial trucks, industrial automation, conveyor technology, medical and energy applications.

The Cherry modular design provides designers with a range of standard elements and interfaces from which a custom sensor can be configured to their exact requirements .

The modular system uses differential hall-chip sensor devices with a standard and fully-integrated magnetic circuit. The results are high quality engineered sensor products with a simple design that deliver a cost-effective very high performance device which can sense up to 20,000 rpm.

Electrical connection to the sensors is possible via 2-wire, 3-wire, or 4-wire interfaces. The components can be connected via output leads or a plug-in connector. The cylindrical housing is available with diameters starting from 13mm and with a length from 20mm up to 80mm. The mounting flange with screw offers a high degree of flexibility in regards of position, angle and alignment of the sensor.

The speed sensors have an operating temperature range from -40°C up to +150°C and the housing meets at least IP67 specifications. The sensors will operate from a DC supply in the range of 4.5 to 24V and are protected against overvoltage and reverse voltage connection.

Depending on the target object, the sensors are designed as differential-hall-solution for delicate gear-tooth structures.

Harvesting wireless switches in production.

Energy harvesting wireless switches for industrial applications from CHERRY are now available in two standard versions: a rocker switch for actuation by hand or a snap-action switch for mechanical actuation typically by a machine as limit switch or position switch. Both variants are available for European (868MHz) or North-American (915MHz) frequency bands with a radio range of 30m inside buildings and a minimum life of 100,000 operations.

A compatible enclosed standard receiver module for 868MHz and 915MHz offers several output interface options, is complete with power supply and is suitable for wall mounting. A flexible pairing function allows operation of several receivers with one switch or several switches with one receiver. A ‘unique ID’ prevents interference between different RF-switches.

Cherry energy harvesting wireless switches are an ideal alternative to traditional cabled solutions for monitoring and managing industrial installations. The devices are simple to install, require no maintenance, are not subject to failure caused by damage to cables. Installing CHERRY energy harvesting wireless switches offers users increased flexibility in the planning process of building and industrial automation as they require no complex and expensive cabling and can easily be retrofitted.

Also immediately available is an energy harvesting generator/generator with PCB. The component offers a high energy yield of 2 x min. 0.33mWs, an operating temperature range of -40 up to +85°C and high operating life of up to 1,000,000 switching cycles. In addition to the core component, the radio module (generator with PCB) is available for 868MHz and 915MHz frequency bands as standard.

In support of the customer’s design-in process application notes are available upon request for the following topics: generator, energy management, proprietary protocol of ZF, general installation details for the wireless switches.

Energy harvesting switch evaluation kit.

Cherry Industrial Solutions has released an updated Evaluation Kit 2.0 to demonstrate their market leading Energy Harvesting Switch Technology. The kit, containing an energy harvesting generator, rocker switch and a snap-action switch, receiver with antenna, USB cable and receiver manual, provides users with a functional demonstration of the Cherry technology and the ability to test key parameters, including signal strength and range, in their own application. A detailed manual, drivers and software for the receiver are available for download from their website.

These Energy Harvesting Switch Modules meet the increasing demand for simple and flexible wireless data transmission of switch signals with maintenance-free low energy consumption. Ith provides effective control solutions for countless applications in almost every market sector including industrial and building automation, smart home and medical. Designed for global use this innovative technology enables Cherry to offer an excellent alternative to wired or battery-powered solutions. Compatible with multiple wireless protocols and with no need to change or dispose of batteries the solution is flexible, environmentally friendly and maintenance-free.

The Cherry Evaluation Kit 2.0 allows users to measure switching performance, transmission range and signal strength, and determine the environmental influences on the wireless signal in various applications including buildings and industrial automation. The addition of a (non-functional) energy harvesting generator means that mechanical design considerations, including mounting position etc., can also be simulated. The Evaluation Kit uses a ZF proprietary communication protocol and the company is happy to work with customer-specific OEM requirements. To ensure worldwide wireless compatibility an OEM system may be specified to operate at 868 MHz and 915 MHz, or 2.4 GHz for lighting applications.

In OEM applications “Flexible Pairing” allows the operation of several switches with one receiver and vice-versa, and a switch “Unique ID” provides clear identification while operating several switches at once. Up to three telegrams are sent per actuation, with pseudo-random timing to assure robust data transmission.

The Evaluation Kit, P/N AFIK-1002 includes an Energy Harvesting Generator, Snap Switch, Rocker Switch, Receiver with antenna, USB cable and receiver manual. The switch and receiver products are all available as individual items from RS Components.

Energy harvesting switches.

CHERRY Energy Harvesting Switch Modules meet the increasing demand for simple and flexible wireless data transmission of switch signals with maintenance-free low energy consumption. 

Cherry's innovative wireless and battery-less Energy Harvesting Technology provides effective control solutions for countless applications in almost every market sector including industrial and building automation, smart home and medical.  Designed for global use this innovative technology enables CHERRY to offer an excellent alternative to wired or battery-powered solutions. Compatible with multiple wireless protocols and with no need to change or dispose of batteries the solution is flexible, environmentally friendly and maintenance-free.

The key to this new product range is the Energy Harvesting Generator which uses a patented mechanism to convert mechanical force into electrical energy in the form of an RF output signal.  IP40 protected, offering a lifetime of 1,000,000 switching cycles and an operating temperature range of -40 to + 85°C, versions are available with momentary and latching switch actions and can offer a range of up to 300m in open space.

For communicating with host systems CHERRY offers a ZF proprietary protocol, and is happy to work with customer-specific requirements. To ensure worldwide wireless compatibility the system may be specified to operate at 868 MHz and 915 MHz, or 2.4 GHz for lighting applications.

Two standard packaged switches are available to actuate the Energy Harvesting Generator, a momentary rocker switch and a snap switch. When a switch is operated it will provide data transfer via RF technology. Offering minimum 100,000 switching operations IP40 protection and an operating temperature range of -20 to +60°C these high reliability switches can transmit up to 30m inside buildings

Flexible pairing allows the operation of several switches with one receiver and vice-versa, and a switch “Unique ID” provides clear identification while operating several switches at once. Up to three telegrams are sent per actuation, with pseudo-random timing to assure robust data transmission.

• Cherry’s standard energy harvesting switch modules are available to buy now from RS Components.

Ultra-high reliability keyboard switch for HMI.

The CHERRY MX keymodule has been designed to fulfill the demanding reliability requirements of computer and data input keyboards, gaming consoles and industrial control HMI systems. Key features include a high reliability long operating life mechanical switch with gold crosspoint contacts and a fast and positive actuation. Standard options include integrated LED illumination, decoupling diode or wire bridge and a 4 mm actuation travel.

The MX switch range provides a single-pole contact rated at 12VDC with durability of 50 million operations and a range of actuation types, travels and pressures. Standard actuation is linear with a pressure point click and travel 3.0–0.5mm with an initial force 25cN min. Standard contact lead spacing is 19.05mm with snap-in frame fastening or PCB solder pins. LED illumination is available in red, green or yellow.

How MX Technology Changed the World! 
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The keyboard switch is rated to IP40 and has an operating temperature of -40 to +70°C and can operate with up to 95% non-condensing humidity. Insulation materials are formed from UL 94 HB thermoplastics.

For low profile applications the CHERRY ML keymodule offers reliability 20 Million operations with the same electrical and environmental specifications as the MX and an actuator travel of 3.0-0.5mm, nominal 18mm lead spacing for PCB mounting only

In addition to being available to OEM’s as individual switches the MX keymodule is available in a number of standard and compact keyboard designs from Cherry with options including magnetic card reader and chip card reader. Cherry ML keyswitches are available in standard compact keyboard designs.