www.apem.com
BF series
Paddle controllers
CONFIGURATION OPTIONS
Note: The company reserves the right to change specifications without notice.
OUTPUT OPTIONS
The BF Series Paddle is configured as two “electrical” controls in one mechanical package. The Paddle oper-
ates from 5V and provides two proportional outputs. The second output is accurate to the first within +/-3% of
the power supply. The power supply for the secondary output is also completely independent. Customers may
choose their preference of voltage outputs (gains).
The secondary output can be of the same or inverse polarity to the primary wiper. For example, with a
secondary inverse output, the first and second outputs can be summed and compared to zero to verify that the
joystick is operating correctly. Paddles having two identical outputs of the same polarity may be used to drive
two identical dual redundant circuits.
There are also two Hall effect switches that trigger at pre-determined lever positions.
The BF Series Paddle may be specified with a variety of PWM output options. For more details on available
PWM options please refer to Apem.
ADDITIONAL OUTPUT INFORMATION
SELECTABLE SWITCHING POINTS
The Paddle incorporates two Hall effect switches. The angle of the lever at the switch trigger point can be
selected when ordering.
If no switches are specified then the output on pins 2 and 7 will be unused.
The outputs are configured as ‘open drain’ type with a 1K5 pull up resistor to 5V.
GAIN OPTIONS
The voltage output on the wiper, at full scale deflection is determined by the gain. The gain is expressed as a
percentage of the voltage supplied. Therefore (assuming a 5V supply) a Paddle specified with +/- 25% gain
would yield 1.25V at South, 2.5V at center and 3.75V at North. A range of gain options are available as
standard. All controls are supplied pre-set and no further calibration is needed throughout the lifetime of
operation.
OUTPUT IMPEDANCE
The voltage outputs at center and at each end of travel are specified across an infinite load, with no current
flowing. The output impedance specified in the electrical specification should be taken into account when
designing a system. Load resistance of less than 10K Ohms is not recommended.
HANDLE OPTIONS
The BF Series offers two standard handle options. The taller (74mm) handle provides the most ergonomic
solution while the shorter (50mm) is best suited to hand held applications where a minimized height is
preferred. The taller lever is supplied with the top insert prefitted, however the shorter lever may be specified
with no insert fitted and the snap in inserts supplied loose for ease of customer integration.