untitled

Momentary pushbutton switch:Pushing this switch is what changes its

state, but only for the moment! These are also classified by whether they

are normally open (NO)or normally closed (NC).For example, a momen-

tary normally open switch is closed only while you hold the pushbutton

down. When you release the button, it goes back to its normal — open —

state.

Tactile switch:This is a type of momentary pushbutton switch. Tactile

switches are rated by the amount of force that is needed to push the

button and are often flat so that they can be easily inserted somewhere

without protruding (like how we insert them into the hands of a puppet

in Chapter 7).

Slide switch:Logically, this switch operates when you slide a knob to

change it from on to off or vice versa.

Relays:These switches are operated by a voltage rather than by pushing

a switch. This makes them very useful for turning on or off a component,

such as a light or motor, through a remote control or by voltage gener-

ated by a sensor. We control relays with both methods in Chapter 13.

Toggle switch Pushbutton switch Tactile switch

Slide switch Relay switch

Figure 3-8:
A plethora
of ways to
flip a switch.

Chapter 3: Assembling Your Electronics Arsenal 47