CTS Corporation Broadens SMT DIP Switch Options With New ``J'' Lead Terminal Configuration.

ELKHART, Ind.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 17, 1999--

CTS Corporation today announced the availability of a "J" lead terminal configuration for the Company's popular Series 219 surface mount SPST DIP switch line.

Ongoing miniaturization of electronic equipment and associated internal printed circuit boards (PCBs) has necessitated that manufacturers further miniaturize the components used on the PCBs to allow for compact placement. Unlike conventional gull wing surface mount terminal configurations, also offered by CTS, where the terminals extend away from the body of the DIP switch, the "J" lead construction forms the terminal alongside and under the product, reducing the required placement width approximately 0.100 inch (2.54mm). The CTS "J" formed lead permits tighter placement of components on the board, with no loss in product integrity, providing engineers with greater circuit design flexibility and surface mount assembly capabilities.

All CTS Series 219 auto-placeable DIP switches feature standard gold plated contacts for enhanced reliability, and medium or low profile actuators for operational flexibility. The addition of the new "J" form lead to the CTS family of DIP switches and DIP switch options, further expands one of the broadest DIP switch product lines in the industry.

The "J" lead terminal construction is compatible with most SMT assembly placement equipment, and meets/exceeds IR and Vapor-Phase soldering specifications up to 260(degree)C for 60 seconds and Wave solder specifications up to 260(degree)C for 6 seconds. CTS Series 219 switches are available with or without a removable tape top seal, depending on the customers' needs. A bottom sealed construction, positive detent separate from contactor, and slide actuated bifurcated self-cleaning contacts are several items from a long list of standard CTS mechanical features.

Series 219 "J" lead switches are available worldwide through CTS' Sales Representatives/Agents or off-the-shelf from authorized CTS Distributors. Packaging specifications include either anti-static tubes or optional tape and reel packaging, which meet EIA 481 specifications. A standard 12 section switch is competitively priced at less than $0.75 each in production quantities.

Complete electrical, mechanical and material specifications, outline drawings and ordering information are detailed on CTS Technical Data Sheet 4219B. For a copy of the data sheet, or to request a free mechanical sample, contact CTS Resistor/Electrocomponents, 1601 Mishawaka Street, Elkhart IN 46514, Phone: [phone], Fax: [phone], Attention: Wayne Westphal, Product Manager. Visit CTS on the web at www.ctscorp.com for additional DIP switch product information.

CTS Corporation (NYSE:CTS) designs, manufactures and sells a broad line of electronic components and custom electronic assemblies for OEM customers primarily in the communications equipment, automotive and computer equipment markets worldwide. CTS operates manufacturing facilities in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Scotland, Singapore, Taiwan and China. For additional information, visit our website at www.ctscorp.com.