DIP Switches

About

DIP Switches — 2, 3, 4 & 8 Position, SPST, Through-Hole, 2.54mm Pitch DIP (Dual In-line Package) switches are the standard method for setting hardware configuration options on PCBs without requiring firmware changes, external tools, or software access. Each position is an independent SPST (Single Pole Single Throw) ON/OFF switch with a slide lever. Available in 2, 3, 4, and 8 positions to match any configuration requirement — from simple feature enable/disable to full 8-bit address and baud rate setting. Available Sizes 2-Position (4 combinations): Simple ON/OFF or A/B selection, RS-485/CAN termination enable 3-Position (8 combinations): 3-bit address setting for I²C devices with 3 address pins 4-Position (16 combinations): Most common — 4-bit I²C address (A0–A3), mode selection 8-Position (256 combinations): Full byte configuration, baud rate, complex mode setting Specifications (All Sizes) Configuration: SPST (Single Pole Single Throw) per position — independent ON/OFF Pin Pitch: 2.54mm (0.1") — standard DIP spacing, fits any PCB or perfboard Termination: Through-hole solder pins Actuation: Slide lever (each position independent) Marking: ON/OFF labeled on switch body Common Use Cases I²C device address: Set A0–A3 address bits for sensors, EEPROMs, I/O expanders, and displays — allows multiple identical devices on the same bus RS-485 / CAN bus termination: Enable or disable 120Ω termination resistors at bus endpoints Baud rate selection: Configure serial communication speed (e.g., 9600 / 19200 / 115200 baud) Feature enable/disable: Enable or disable individual hardware features without firmware changes Unit ID / node address: Assign unique IDs to devices on a shared bus or network Prototyping binary input: Quick 4-bit or 8-bit binary input for testing and development DIP Switch Size Selection Guide Need to enable/disable 1–2 features? → 2-position Setting a 3-bit I²C address (A0–A2)? → 3-position Setting a 4-bit I²C address (A0–A3) or 16 modes? → 4-position (m