ALCO Switch ALCO MPA106D

Core Features Miniature Diaphragm Design for Ultra-Low Pressure Sensing: Functions as a precision micro pressure switch engineered to monitor extremely low-pressure gases, featuring a thin-film polyimide diaphragm that provides accurate detection across a 0.02–1 bar (0.3–14.5 psi) range. This ultra-sensitive design is ideal for applications requiring detection of subtle pressure changes, such as laboratory instrumentation, medical gas delivery, and environmental monitoring systems. Fine-Tunable Setpoints with Stability: Equipped with a micrometer-style adjustment screw to set actuation pressure within the range, with a minimal differential (deadband) of 0.01–0.1 bar (0.15–1.45 psi) to ensure responsiveness to small pressure fluctuations. A locking nut secures the setpoint, preventing drift from vibration or temperature changes—critical for maintaining precision in systems like anesthesia machines or gas chromatography equipment. Gas-Specific Compatibility: The polyimide diaphragm and stainless steel wetted parts ensure compatibility with ultra-pure gases (e.g., medical oxygen, nitrogen), clean compressed air, and non-reactive gases, making it suitable for pharmaceutical, biotech, and analytical applications where gas purity is paramount. SPDT Contacts for Sensitive Control: Features single-pole double-throw (SPDT) contacts (1 NO + 1 NC) rated for DC 30V (0.5A resistive) and AC 125V (1A resistive). This configuration supports: Triggering low-pressure alarms in critical systems (e.g., medical ventilators). Controlling micro-valves or pumps in gas chromatography to maintain precise flow rates. Sending pressure status signals to data loggers in environmental monitoring. Ultra-Miniature Housing: Housed in a glass-reinforced LCP (liquid crystal polymer) housing (UL94 V-0) with an extremely compact footprint (28mm × 18mm × 15mm) and lightweight design (12g), suitable for installation in the smallest enclosures—including portable medical devices, handheld analyzers, or microfluidic systems. Enhanced Particle Protection: Meets IP54 protection (IEC 60529) for dust resistance and protection against water spray, ensuring reliability in cleanrooms, laboratory fume hoods, or clinical environments. Simplified Installation: Designed for surface mounting via two M1.6 screws, with a 1/16-inch NPT female port for gas connections. The terminal block uses solder connections accepting 26–32 AWG fine-gauge wires, ensuring secure integration into sensitive electronic systems. Typical Applications The ALCO Switch MPA106D is engineered for ultra-low pressure gas monitoring in precision micro-systems, with core use cases including: Medical Respiratory Devices: Installed in ventilators, CPAP machines, or oxygen concentrators to monitor patient gas flow, ensuring safe and consistent delivery at low pressures. Laboratory Gas Chromatography: Used in analytical instruments to maintain precise carrier gas pressure (e.g., helium, hydrogen), ensuring accurate separation and detection of chemical compounds. Microfluidic Systems: Integrated into lab-on-a-chip devices or point-of-care diagnostic tools to monitor pressure in microchannels, controlling fluid flow for chemical or biological assays. Environmental Monitoring: Deployed in air quality sensors or gas leak detectors to sense subtle pressure changes in sampling lines, enabling early detection of contaminants. Aerospace Component Testing: Used in avionics micro-systems to monitor cabin air pressure or fuel vapor pressure in tight spaces, ensuring safety and performance.