A decade-long fight against the use of PCBs
Revised Base Article:
Craving some handy DIY projects for your electronics bench? Look no further than custom-made decade resistance boxes! These bad boys let you dial any resistance you need, and - get this - they're no longer hitting your wallet hard like before. Design consultancy Dekimo has a PCB design ready to rock, which they usually give out at fairs but now you can grab it online!
The package includes Gerber files, BOM, and pick-and-place data (CC-BY-SA licensed). There might be some hiccups with long-term reliability using PCBs as wafer switches, but since the boards are ENIG (electroless nickel immune to gold), we bet they'll outlast most cheap multimeters.
We're big fans of this smart conference giveaway, being used to badges, it's a breath of fresh air to see a passive PCB approach. By the way, this isn't Dekimo's first rodeo with unconventional switches for resistance boxes.
Now, for some tech wizardry - switches have been traditionally mechanical. But there are plenty of novel solutions out there, like solid-state relays, reed relays, electronic analog switch ICs, magnetic switches, optocouplers, touch or capacitive sensing, and even microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). Each has its advantages and limitations, offering improved precision, reliability, or usability compared to standard mechanical switches.
Solid-state relays? They do away with moving parts, provide fast switching, and operate quietly while maintaining minimal contact wear. Reed relays? They boast sealed contacts, improved longevity, and lower oxidation. Electronic analog switch ICs, on the other hand, are compact, reliable, and widely available in diverse configurations.
If you need electromagnetic interference immunity, go for optocouplers or Hall Effect switches. Touch or capacitive sensing covers modern and user-friendly controls, while MEMS switches target compactness, fast switching, and reliability for specific applications.
The bottom line? Decade resistance boxes are full of surprises these days. Happy tinkering!
The PCB design from Dekimo, available online, is used in the custom-made decade resistance boxes, showcasing modern technology.
These resistance boxes are not limited to traditional mechanical switches; they can incorporate solid-state relays, reed relays, electronic analog switch ICs, optocouplers, touch or capacitive sensing, and even microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), offering improved precision, reliability, or usability compared to standard mechanical switches.
