A multifunctional switch and impulse generator assembly are disclosed that include a fixed base part enclosing an electrical pulse generator. A rotatable upper part with an actuation knob is included. The electrical pulse generator is adapted to provide electrical pulses on one or more externally accessible terminals in response to clockwise and/or counterclockwise rotary motion of the actuation knob. A slide switch is operable by horizontal movement of the actuation knob between a first state and a second state. In the first state the first and second switch terminals are electrically interconnected and in the second state first and second switch terminals are electrically isolated.