Ribbon switches are electronic tapes set in an open position and can be momentarily closed with pressure along the length of the tape, mostly used in switching and signaling applications. There is a growing demand for ribbon switches, and according to the American Rodeo, the electrical switches market has shown a year-on-year revenue growth since 2019, when $3637.3 million in sales have been recorded.

How Does a Ribbon Switch Work?

A ribbon switch is made of lengths of copper or steel conductors set in parallel strips and encased in various materials. Any pressure exerted along the length of the switch causes internal contact of the metal and initiates a signal that a control unit or a device can read. The pressure can be activated using a finger, a palm, or even a foot. Some activation mechanisms can withstand much higher pressure, like the weight of a car driving over the switch. However, the most popular application for installing a ribbon switch is handheld electronic devices like keyboards, mobile phones, and panic buttons.

Typical Applications of Ribbon Switches

The choice of the ribbon switch will depend on the application. There are many varieties of ribbon switches available on the market, and most requirements are catered for. The two main types of ribbon switches are general-purpose switches, usually in a flat strip form, and special-purpose switches that can be shaped as levers, paddles, or wands. Whatever type of switch you need, they arrive in factory sealed lengths manufactured according to your specifications.

The general purpose switches are usually activated by a pressing action, while the special purpose switches can be operated when bent or via a pushing action as a lever or a wand switch. The lever switch variety is especially useful for the motorized wheelchair industry and other disability devices. They can also be found in gaming joysticks.

If you need a switch for a device that will spend most of its time outside and needs to be weather resistant, a ribbon switch can be designed with or without an inline moisture trap to enable it to work in wet conditions.

The concept of a ribbon switch is really simple but effective for many uses. Judging from the sales figures, more designers use them in many different situations because of their reliable functionality and adaptability. The only limit of using the ribbon switch is the imagination of the designer.