DIP Switch: PCB Configuration Settings Guide

A DIP switch (Dual In-line Package switch) is a set of tiny toggle switches mounted in a package that fits standard IC sockets. DIP switches are used to configure hardware settings on PCBs — think of them as physical configuration bits that do not need any software to change.

What Is a DIP Switch?

A DIP switch is a manual switch packaged in a standard DIP (Dual In-line Package) form factor with 2.54 mm pin spacing. It contains multiple individual SPST switches arranged in a row. Common configurations include 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 positions.

Each switch position represents one binary bit — ON (1) or OFF (0). An 8-position DIP switch can represent 256 different binary values (2^8), making it useful for setting device addresses, configuration modes, and baud rates.

Types of DIP Switches

• Slide DIP — The most common type. Each switch has a tiny slider that you push to one side or the other. Requires a pen tip or small screwdriver.
• Rocker DIP — Each switch has a miniature rocker mechanism. Slightly easier to operate than slide types.
• Rotary DIP — A single rotary wheel that encodes a multi-bit value. Each wheel position corresponds to a hexadecimal digit (0-F).
• Piano DIP — Switches look like miniature piano keys. Less common but ergonomic for frequent adjustments.

Reading DIP Switch Settings

DIP switch settings are typically read as binary numbers, with switch 1 being the Least Significant Bit (LSB):

Using DIP Switch with Arduino

Connect each DIP switch position to a digital input pin with the internal pull-up resistor enabled. When a switch is ON, it connects the pin to GND (reads LOW). When OFF, the pull-up holds the pin HIGH.

// Read 8-position DIP switch
int dipPins[] = {2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9};
int address = 0;

void setup() {
  for (int i = 0; i < 8; i++) {
    pinMode(dipPins[i], INPUT_PULLUP);
  }
  Serial.begin(9600);
}

void loop() {
  address = 0;
  for (int i = 0; i < 8; i++) {
    if (digitalRead(dipPins[i]) == LOW) {
      address |= (1 << i);
    }
  }
  Serial.print("DIP Address: ");
  Serial.println(address);
  delay(1000);
}

Common Applications

• I2C/SPI address selection — Many sensor breakout boards have DIP switches or solder jumpers to set the device address on the bus.
• Baud rate configuration — Serial communication modules use DIP switches to set the baud rate without needing firmware changes.
• Stepper motor driver settings — DRV8825 and A4988 drivers use DIP switches (or jumper pins) to set microstepping mode.
• Industrial PLCs — Address and mode configuration for Modbus slaves and network devices.
• Garage door openers and RF remotes — Older remote systems use matching DIP switch codes for pairing.

Recommended Products from Zbotic

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a DIP switch and a jumper?

A DIP switch is a proper switch you can toggle without tools. A jumper is a removable shorting block on header pins — it is cheaper but easier to lose and harder to change frequently.

Can I replace DIP switches with software configuration?

Yes, modern devices often use EEPROM or flash-based configuration instead of DIP switches. However, DIP switches are still preferred for settings that need to be changed without a computer (such as field-deployed equipment).

How many positions do I need?

It depends on the number of configuration bits. For I2C address selection (3 bits), a 4-position DIP switch is sufficient. For a full byte of configuration, use an 8-position DIP switch.