Innovative wireless and battery-less energy-harvesting switches

Aimed at the increasing demand for simple and flexible wireless data transmission of switch signals with maintenance-free low energy consumption, Cherry energy-harvesting switch modules are now available form RS Components. The innovative wireless and battery-less energy-harvesting technology provides effective control solutions for countless applications in almost every market sector including industrial and building automation, smart home and medical. Designed for global use the innovative technology enables Cherry to offer a real alternative to wired or battery-powered solutions. Compatible with multiple wireless protocols and with no need to change or dispose of batteries the solution is flexible, environmentally friendly and maintenance-free. The key to the new product range is the energy-harvesting generator which uses a patented mechanism to convert mechanical force into electrical energy in the form of an RF output signal. IP40 protected, offering a lifetime of 1,000,000 switching cycles and an operating temperature range of -40C to + 85C, versions are available with momentary and latching switch actions and can offer a range of up to 300m in open space. For communicating with host systems Cherry offers a ZF proprietary protocol, and will to work with customer-specific requirements. To ensure worldwide wireless compatibility the system may be specified to operate at 868MHz and 915MHz, or 2.4GHz for lighting applications. Two standard packaged switches are available to actuate the energy-harvesting generator, a momentary rocker switch and a snap switch. When a switch is operated it will provide data transfer via RF technology. Offering minimum 100,000 switching operations IP40 protection and an operating temperature range of -20C to +60C these high reliability switches can transmit up to 30m inside buildings Flexible pairing allows the operation of several switches with one receiver and vice-versa, and a switch 'Unique ID' provides clear identification while operating several switches at once. Up to three telegrams are sent per actuation, with pseudo-random timing to assure robust data transmission.