News - Board and System Test

Pneumatic Micro-Switch Probe

23 November 2010 – For presence tests at very limited available space, FEINMETALL now offers the pneumatic micro switch probe F899, which combines a pneumatically controlled contact with an integrated switch function. With this small and cylinder shaped probe the correct position of any component or connector can be proved reliably and without major effort.

In many applications presence tests of components or connectors are realized with normal spring contact probes with integrated switch functions. In these applications the plunger of the switch probe is pushed down by the component and so the switch function of the probe is activated. If the corresponding element is missing, this fault is detected immediately. For many presence tests this setup is sufficient.

However, if the test item needs to be contacted by side-access or selectively controlled, the test solution is more difficult. Up to now, a complex solution consisting of pneumatic cylinder, switch probe, receptacle and mounting bracket need to be constructed. Now, the new pneumatic micro switch probe F899 combines all these elements and functions and allows presence and position tests in a very space-saving way. With a diameter of only 6 mm and an overall length of 14 mm in retracted position, the F899 now enables completely new solutions for position tests.

The switch function of this probe works according to an off-on-off characteristic. That means during the movement of the plunger the switch circuit is open at first, then closed for a travel of one millimeter and then opened again. As a result, not only the presence but also the correct position of a component or connector can be proved.

The F899 can be fixed either by a lateral fixing screw or alternatively by an axial fixing screw pressing the probe into a corresponding drill hole.

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