Home BEAM background   Getting started Electronic basics Passive components Resistors Capacitors Batteries Switches Semiconductor components Integrated Circuits Nv neurons and Nv nets Nu neurons Tutorials   BEAM From the Ground Up is a BEAM Reference Library site.		Basics of passive components -- switches Throw the switch, Igor.... A switch is a simple device used to turn an electrical current on and off. The more-common types of switches include SPST (Single Pole Single Throw) The switch contains one set of contacts and can only be switched one way (on or off). SPDT (Single Pole Double Throw) The switch contains one contact that can be switched to connect to either of two positions. DPST (Double Pole Single Throw) The switch contains two sets of contacts that can both only be on or off (together). DPDT (Double Pole Double Throw) The switch contains two sets of contacts that can be switched to connect to either of two positions. Mercury Here, a "blob" of mercury acts to connect two contacts when the switch is in some particular orientation. Reed Here, an external magnetic field causes a thin strip of metal to move and connect two contacts. Reed switches are used extensively to sense door and window position in home alarm systems. BEAMbots can use them to detect when a 'bot leg or head is in some given position.   BEAM Usage I have a writeup on switch usage in BEAMbots here.
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