Pickering Electronics have expanded their high voltage Single-in-line (SIL) Reed Relay range to include three new series, that all offer higher packing density. The Series 67 and 68 dry Reed Relay range for up to 10kV, and the Series 119 Micro-SIL range for up to 3kV, will all be showcased this January at Semicon Korea on stand 2509.

The recently released Series 67 and 68 Reed Relay range are available for up to 10kV stand-off, 7.5kV switching, with an option of either PCB or flying lead switch connections. These new relays are manufactured in a SIL format using former-less coils which dispense with the more usual coil supporting bobbin allowing a smaller package than similar rated devices.

The unusual package design presents some interesting packing possibilities for high density applications such as multiplexers and matrices in instrumentation and test systems. 5, 12 and 24 volt coils are available as standard, and other voltages can be supplied to special order, as can variations in the lead length of the Series 68 range. The relays are suitable for high voltage transformer and cable test and some electro-medical applications such as defibrillators.

The new Series 119 is the industry’s smallest high voltage SIL Reed Relay for up to 3kV stand-off. These can be stacked side-by-side for maximum packing density (all Pickering SIL Relays have full magnetic screening allowing side by side operation).

This new relay is intended for voltages considerably higher than standard small SIL relays, ideal for Cable and Backplane Testers and Mixed signal ATE. Pickering also offer other Single-in-Line High Voltage dry Reed Relays with the Series 104 for use up to 3kV stand-off, 25 Watts switching.

To find out more about the new Reed Relays visit Pickering on stand 2509 at Semicon Korea 2016, or alternatively go to the website.

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Reed relays contain a reed switch, a coil for creating a magnetic field, an optional diode for handling back EMF from the coil, and an encapsulating package with connection terminals. In many ways, a reed relay, if used correctly, is a near perfect device with a low-resistance metallic switch path and inherent isolation between the control voltage operating the coil and the signal being switched.

The Reed Switch Explained

The reed switch has two shaped metal blades made of a ferromagnetic material (roughly 50:50 nickel iron) and a glass envelope that holds the metal blades in place and provides a hermetic seal that prevents any contaminants from entering the critical contact area inside the glass envelope. Most (but not all) reed switches have open contacts in their normal state.

If a magnetic field is applied along the axis of the reed blades, the field is intensified in the reed blades because of their ferromagnetic nature, the open contacts of the reed blades are attracted to each other, and the blades deflect to close the gap. With enough applied field, the blades touch, and electrical contact is made (Figure 1).

The only movable part in the reed switch is the deflection of the blades; there are no pivot points or materials trying to slide past each other. The contact area is enclosed in a hermetically sealed envelope with inert gasses, or in the case of high-voltage switches a vacuum, so the switch area is sealed against external contamination. This gives the reed switch an exceptionally long mechanical life.

Another reed switch design variable is size. Longer switches do not have to deflect the blades as far (measured by angle of deflection) as short switches to close a given gap size between the blades. Short reeds often are made of thinner materials so they deflect more easily, but this clearly has an impact on their rating and contact area. Smaller reed switches allow smaller relays to be constructed—an important consideration where space is critical. The larger switches may be more mechanically robust and have greater contact area, improving their signal-carrying capability.

Various plating materials and methods are used for the switch contact areas: most commonly, rhodium, iridium, or ruthenium—all rare platinum group metals. These all provide hard, wear-resistant surfaces with good resistance stability for a long life, often into billions of operations. For very high voltages, 5 kV to 15 kV, tungsten tends to be the preferred material due to its very high melting point and resistance to welding through arcing across the contacts. Reed switch contacts can be coated by either electroplating or vacuum deposition (sputtering). Pickering Electronics’ relays intended for low-level instrumentation use sputtered ruthenium contacts.To operate a relay, a magnetic field needs to be created that is capable of closing the reed switch contacts. Reed switches can be used with permanent magnets (for example, to detect doors closing), but for the reed relays, the field is generated by a coil, which can have a current passed through in response to a control signal. The coil surrounds the reed switch and generates the axial magnetic field needed to close the reed contacts.

Generating the Magnetic Field

Different reed switches require different levels of magnetic field to close the contacts, and this usually is quoted in terms of the ampere turns (AT)—simply the product of the current flowing in the coil multiplied by the number of turns. Stiffer reed switches for higher power levels or high-voltage switches with larger contact gaps usually require higher AT numbers to operate, so the coils need more power.

Changing the wire gage for the coil and the number of turns creates relays with different drive-voltage requirements and coil powers. The resistance of the wire coil controls the amount of steady-state current flowing through the coil and therefore the power the coil consumes when the contacts are closed. Whenever fine wires are used in Pickering Electronics relays, the termination leads from the coils are skeined with several strands of wire twisted together to increase their physical strength.

While Figure 2 shows only a few turns of wire, in reality there can be hundreds, thousands, or even tens of thousands of turns.

Packaging Reed Relays

Most Pickering reed relays are constructed using former-less coils, which dispense with the usual supporting bobbin. This leaves more room for the coil winding, permitting smaller relays or higher coil resistance figures. Reed relays are available in many package styles such as dual-in-line, single-in-line, and surface-mount.

Often, reed relays are molded using very hard materials that can cause stresses on the delicate glass/metal seal of the reed switch capsule with the risk of damage. Pickering, instead, uses a soft inner encapsulation, which provides a buffer to protect the switch. Without this, stresses can distort the reed switch slightly, thereby changing the contact area and degrading performance and contact resistance stability. An internal mu-metal magnetic screen enables Pickering relays to be stacked closely together without the magnetic field from one relay affecting adjacent parts. This allows the highest level of packing density.

The second article in this two-part series will look at the future of reed relays and compare them with other switching technologies.

The original article can be seen here.

About the author:

Graham Dale began his career in telecommunications with the U.K. Ministry of Defense. In the 1970s while working on a research project at The University of Essex sponsored by the British General Post Office (later to become British Telecom), he met John Moore, the founder of Pickering Electronics. This was in the early days of computer-controlled switching systems, and the project became a user of Pickering reed relays. Dale started working for Pickering at the beginning of 1975 and remains with the company today as a technical director and applications engineer.

Bei Pickering Electronics dreht sich alles um Reed-Relais, die eine Alternative zu HL-, MEMS- und elektromechanischen Relais sind.

Ein Reed-Relais bietet seinem Anwender, wenn es korrekt eingesetzt wird, höchste Zuverlässigkeit bei langer Lebensdauer. Auf dem Markt befinden sich zwar alternative Lösungen in anderen Technologien auf Basis von Halbleitern, MEMS und Elektromechanik, die einfache Einsetzbarkeit und die erreichten Fortschritte bei Baugröße und Leistungsdaten sind jedoch Garanten dafür, dass Reed-Relais noch viele Jahre im Markt vor sich haben.

Erfunden wurde das Reed-Relais 1936 von den Bell Telephone Laboratories. Seit dieser Zeit hat sich dieser Relais-Typ von ursprünglich sehr großen, relativ simplen Teilen kontinuierlich weiterentwickelt zu den kleinen, hochzuverlässigen Bauelementen, die wir heute kennen. Produktionsverfahren und Qualitätsmanagement-Systeme haben sich seither enorm verbessert, und die Kosten sind drastisch gefallen. Mehr als 30 Jahre nach der Erfindung des Reed-Relais wurde im Jahre 1968 die Firma Pickering Electronics gegründet, und selbst zu dieser Zeit gab es noch Stimmen, die diesen elektromechanischen Bauteilen eine nur sehr begrenzte Lebensdauer im Markt zubilligen wollten. Die Entwicklung verlief anders, und qualitativ hochwertige Reed-Relais haben Märkte erobert, die damals unvorstellbar waren.

Die Technik des Reed-Relais

Ein Reed-Relais besteht im Wesentlichen aus zwei ferromagnetischen Metallzungen (Nickel und Eisen im Verhältnis von ca. 50:50), die von einem Glasgehäuse umschlossen sind, das nicht nur die Position der Metallzungen fixiert, sondern diese Zungen auch hermetisch einschließt und so verhindert, dass der kritische Kontaktbereich im Innern des Gehäuses kontaminiert wird.

Wird ein magnetisches Feld in Richtung der Achse der Metallzungen angelegt, wird das Feld dort wegen des ferromagnetischen Charakters der Zungen verstärkt, und die offenen Kontakte der Metallzungen bewegen sich aufeinander zu, bis die Lücke zwischen ihnen geschlossen ist und der Strom fließt. Die hermetisch dichte Hülle um die Reed-Kontakte ist mit Inertgas gefüllt. Bei Hochspannungsausführungen ist im Glasgehäuse statt der Gasfüllung ein Vakuum. Diese Gas-/Vakuumfüllung verleiht dem Reedschalter seine außergewöhnlich hohe mechanische Lebensdauer.

The following interview explains what Reed Relays are, their unique features and what needs to be considered when using them within switching solutions. Graham Dale, Technical Director of Reed Relay manufacturer, Pickering Electronics, explains.

Why should engineers use Reed Relays in switching applications?

Reed Relays remain an attractive solution for switching applications. Having a metallic path, they do not suffer from a relatively high contact resistance and high off-state leakage current usually associated with solid state relays. Having hermetically sealed contacts, reed relays offer a better low level performance than conventional electro-mechanical relays as they do not suffer from oxidization or films building up on the contacts. They also have the advantage of faster operate and release times, critical in today’s instrumentation and test systems.

How do Reed Relays work?

A reed relay consists of two ferro-magnetic switch blades that exit the opposite ends of a hermetically sealed glass tube. This tube is filled with an inert gas, usually nitrogen. A vacuum is normally used instead in the case of high voltage reed switches. The overlapping blades are attracted to each other when they become magnetized by the field generated by a coil wound around the switch and the contacts will close. These contacts are plated using various methods and materials appropriate to the application. Pickering favour Sputtered Ruthenium plating for low level switching.

In general, the most common construction for a reed relay offers no magnetic screening, involves the use of a hard moulded package and an operating coil wound on a plastic bobbin surrounding the reed switch capsule. Pickering offer a technically superior solution including SoftCenter construction, mu-metal magnetic screens and former-less coil winding techniques.

What is SoftCenter technology?

Instead of the more usual hard moulded package, Pickering use our SoftCenter® technology, whereby a soft inner material is used to protect the delicate glass to metal seal of the reed switch capsule against expansion mismatches. This de-stresses the switch ensuring accurate alignment of the switch blades which in turn gives a longer and more reliable life.

What is former-less coil winding?

Relay operating coils are commonly wound on bobbins. The great majority of Pickering relays are manufactured with self-supporting coils, thus avoiding the space required for these bobbins. In the case of the smaller relays types, this gives around 50 percent more room for the coil winding, allowing the use of less sensitive reed switches with their inherent advantages of higher operating and restoring forces. In some ranges, this technique allows Pickering to achieve extremely high coil resistance figures.

Pickering Electronics wird auf der productronica neue Single-Inline Reed-Relais-Familien für Hochspannungsanwendungen präsentieren.

Die neuen Reed Relais der Serien 67 und 68 schalten Spannungen bis zu 7,5 kV und erreichen eine Durchbruchspannung bis bis zu 10 kV. Die Kontaktanschlüsse sind wahlweise für Leiterplattenmontage oder freie Kabelanschlüsse konzipiert. Trotz elektrischer Spezifikationen, ähnlich der bewährten Serien 60/65, können die neuen Relais durch die Verwendung körperloser Spulen im SIL-Format hergestellt werden. Herkömmliche Spulenkörper wurden überflüssig, sodass im Vergleich zu anderen Bauteilen mit ähnlichen elektrischen Daten kleinere Gehäuse möglich sind.

Die außergewöhnliche Gehäusekonstruktion ermöglicht Optionen zur Relaisanordnung für Anwendungen mit hoher Packungsdichte wie Multiplexer und Matrizen für Messgeräte und Testsysteme. Standardmäßig stehen Ausführungen für 5 V, 12 V und 24 VSpulenspannung zur Verfügung. Kundenspezifisch sind weitere Spannungen realisierbar. Bei der Serie 68 sind auf Anfrage auch andere Anschlusslängen möglich. Die Relais eignen sich für Hochspannungstests, Kabeltester und einige medizintechnische Anwendungen wie etwa Defibrillatoren.

Die neue Serie 119 ist die branchenweit kleinste Ausführung von SIL Reed Relais für bis zu 3 kV Isolationsspannung der Kontakte. Es stehen ein- und zweipolige Schließer und ein einpoliger Öffner zur Verfügung, die jeweils für Spulenspannungen von 3 V, 5 V oder 12 V erhältlich sind. Die Version mit einpoligem Schließer für 1 kV hat vier Pins im 3.8 mm Raster – identisch mit der bewährten Serie 109P. Um höchste Packungsdichte zu erreichen, können die Relais direkt seitlich angereiht werden. Alle SIL Reed Relais von Pickering sind vollständig magnetisch geschirmt, um einen sicheren Betrieb bei dichtester Anreihung zu gewährleisten.

Diese neuen Relais wurden für Spannungen entwickelt, die erheblich über den zulässigen Werten bei den kleinen SIL Relais liegen. Sie eignen sich ideal für Kabel- und Backplane-Tester sowie Mixed-Signal ATEs. Mit der Serie 104 zeigt das Unternehmen den Fachbesuchern weitere, trockene SIL-Hochspannungs Reed Relais für bis zu 3kV Isolationsspannung der Kontakte und einer Schaltleistung von 25 W.

productronica: Halle A1, Stand 452

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Innovative packaging design targets high density applications

Pickering Electronics have expanded their high voltage Single-in-line (SIL) Reed Relay range to include three new series, that all offer higher packing density. The Series 67 and 68 dry Reed Relay range for up to 10kV, and the Series 119 Micro-SIL range for up to 3kV.

The recently released Series 67 and 68 Reed Relay range for up to 10kV stand-off has an option of either PCB or flying lead switch connections. Similar in specification to the long established Series 60/65, these new relays are manufactured in a SIL format using former-less coils which dispense with the more usual coil supporting bobbin allowing a smaller package than similar rated devices.

The unusual package design does present some interesting packing possibilities for high density applications such as multiplexers and matrices in instrumentation and test systems. 5, 12 and 24 volt coils are available as standard, andother voltages can be supplied to special order, as can variations in the lead length of the Series 68 range. The relays are suitable for high voltage transformer and cable test and some electro-medical applications such as defibrillators.

The new Series 119 is the industry’s smallest high voltage SIL Reed Relay for up to 3kV stand-off. 1 Form A, 2 Form A and 1 Form B versions are available with either 3, 5 or 12 volt operating coils. The 1 Form A, 1kV version has 4 pins on 0.15 inches (3.8mm) pitch, these can be stacked side-by-side for maximum packing density (all Pickering SIL Relays have full magnetic screening allowing side by side operation).

This new relay is intended for voltages considerably higher than standard small SIL relays, ideal for Cable and Backplane Testers and Mixed signal ATE. Pickering also offer other Single-in-Line High Voltage dry Reed Relays with the Series 104 for use up to 3kV stand-off, 25 Watts switching.

The long established Series 60, 62, 63 and 65 are suitable for up to 15kV stand-off, 12.5kV switching at 50 Watts maximum. The series 62 and 63 also come with push on connections on the top face. Like the new Series 67 and 68, these larger parts all feature robust tungsten plated contacts to ensure a long and reliable life.

Pickering Electronics have expanded their high voltage Single-in-line (SIL) Reed Relay range to include three new series, that all offer higher packing density. The Series 67 and 68 dry Reed Relay range for up to 10kV, and the Series 119 Micro-SIL range for up to 3kV.

The recently released Series 67 and 68 Reed Relay range are available for up to 10kV stand-off, 7.5kV switching, with an option of either PCB or flying lead switch connections. Similar in specification to the long established Series 60/65, these new relays are manufactured in a SIL format using former-less coils which dispense with the more usual coil supporting bobbin allowing a smaller package than similar rated devices.

The unusual package design does present some interesting packing possibilities for high density applications such as multiplexers and matrices in instrumentation and test systems. 5, 12 and 24 volt coils are available as standard, and other voltages can be supplied to special order, as can variations in the lead length of the Series 68 range. The relays are suitable for high voltage transformer and cable test and some electro-medical applications such as defibrillators.

The new Series 119 is the industry’s smallest high voltage SIL Reed Relay for up to 3kV stand-off. 1 Form A, 2 Form A and 1 Form B versions are available with either 3, 5 or 12 volt operating coils. The 1 Form A, 1kV version has 4 pins on 0.15 inches (3.8mm) pitch, the same as the long established Series 109P. These can be stacked side-by-side for maximum packing density (all Pickering SIL Relays have full magnetic screening allowing side by side operation).

This new relay is intended for voltages considerably higher than standard small SIL relays, ideal for Cable and Backplane Testers and Mixed signal ATE. Pickering also offer other Single-in-Line High Voltage dry Reed Relays with the Series 104 for use up to 3kV stand-off, 25 Watts switching.

The long established Series 60, 62, 63 and 65 are suitable for up to 15kV stand-off, 12.5kV switching at 50 Watts maximum. The series 62 and 63 also come with push on connections on the top face. Like the new Series 67 and 68, these larger parts all feature robust tungsten plated contacts to ensure a long and reliable life.

All Pickering Reed Relays are constructed using SoftCenter® technology, which uses a soft inner material to reduce stresses on the reed switch. In addition, contact life and more reliable contact resistance are achieved by our use of Former-less coil winding. Former-less coils are manufactured using a fully automated process that provides consistent output quality and repeatability.

Looking at the above diagram you can see that former-less winding greatly increases the winding ‘window’, providing the following advantages:

A much higher magnetic drive level and better magnetic coupling as the smaller diameter of the inner turns are more efficient (more turns per Ohm).
The number of Ampere Turns (AT) is increased – Reed switches are usually rated in sensitivity by an Ampere Turn number, for example, an AT rating of 15AT is twice as sensitive as one with a 30AT. Because the 30AT switch needs more magnetic drive there is much more ‘restoring force’, which is the ability to open when the coil drive is turned off. This in turn extends the working life of the reed switch many times.

You can view the original article here.

Reed Relays are often considered a mundane component by Design Engineers and sometimes little thought is given to the finer points of their specifications. It is easy to see why this may be. It is after all, much more interesting to work with microprocessors etc. or to make your software really sing and ignore this seemingly simple component. Correctly used and specified though, reed relays are very reliable devices, however they can be vulnerable when used incorrectly. Understanding their specifications will help a good Engineer to avoid some of these potential problems and greatly enhance the reliability and performance of his designs.

Before moving on to the explanation of the specifications, it is worth briefly examining the effects of temperature, as this can affect the performance of the part. The reed switch is operated by the magnetic field generated by the current flowing through the operating coil, which is wound using copper wire. Copper has a positive coefficient of resistance of approximately 0.4% per °C and its resistance will increase with temperature at this rate. As the resistance increases, the current and therefore the level of magnetic field will fall. Remember that there may be a small voltage drop in the relay driver that should also be taken into account. It can be clearly seen in the graph below, that at higher temperatures, it is possible that the relay will not operate at its nominal coil drive voltage.

As well as operate and release voltages, temperature changes can also affect the contact resistance figures or stability if there is less ‘overdrive’ on the reed switch. It can also increase the time that it takes for the switch to operate because the rate of rise of coil current, limited by the inductance of the coil, will be slower to reach the operate point of the reed switch.

Main specifications points explained, with some useful tips.

Coil Resistance.

The resistance of the operating coil is specified at a particular temperature, usually 25 degrees Centigrade and will vary with changes in temperature as described above.

Coil Voltage.

This is the nominal d.c. voltage that should be applied to the coil in order to operate the reed switch correctly when used within the devices specified temperature range. It is sometimes possible to use a relay at a temperature a little higher than its normal range. However, the coil voltage would need to be increased slightly to accommodate the change in resistance. This is because the level of the magnetic field generated is proportional to the coil current. Please contact Pickering Technical Sales for further advice if necessary (techsales@pickeringrelay.com).

Must Operate Voltage.

The voltage by which the switch must operate (contact made, in the case of a Form A, energise to make relay) will not be higher than this figure. Again a temperature will be specified. This figure is usually 75% of the nominal coil voltage and is such that the contact will still operate, with some overdrive, at the specified upper temperature, when operated at its nominal level.

Must Release Voltage.

The voltage by which the switch must have reverted to its un-operated state as the coil voltage is reduced (contact open, in the case of a Form A, energise to make relay). The voltage will not be lower than this figure which is usually 10% of the nominal coil voltage.

Contact Resistance.

This is the maximum initial resistance between the relay switch terminals when the relay is operated at its nominal coil voltage. Only a small part of this figure is actually the resistance of the switch contact, most of this figure is the switch wire and the leadframe on which the relay is constructed.

Operate time – Bounce time.

The time it takes for the reed switch to operate is determined by the rate of rise of the magnetic field and is limited by the coil inductance and the inertia of the reed switch blades due to their mass and compliance. When a dry reed switch contact first makes, there will be a period when the contact bounces a few times before settling. The bounce period of small reed switches is usually 10-50 microseconds depending on type. The operate time is usually specified including bounce when operated at the nominal coil voltage. At high temperatures, the operate time will increase a little due to the increase in coil resistance as described earlier.

Release Time.

The release time is the time it takes for a relay contact to open (in the case of a Form A, energize to make relay) after de-energization of the operating coil. Most applications will require the presence of a diode across the coil to protect the relay drive circuit from the back EMF generated by the coil inductance when the coil current is interrupted. If no diode is used or some other protection circuitry is used instead, it is possible to speed up the release time. Typically, when a diode is used, the release time will be around one half of the operate time.

Switching Current.

This is the maximum current that the relay will switch when the coil is first operated and is usually specified for a resistive load. The most common cause of failure of small reed relays is a weld due to unforeseen current inrushes. Sometimes a mild weld can be cleared with a small tap but this may have already damaged the contact plating. Even small levels of capacitance can cause high current spikes and although the time constants may be short, they can cause damage, particularly at higher voltages. Back EMFs from switching inductive loads should also be supressed.

Carry Current.

Carry current is the current that the reed relay can support through its contact if it is applied after the switch is closed and settled. This is usually referred to as ‘cold’ switching. The principal limiting factor for this figure is the heating effect of the current through the resistance of the contact (I²R) but there are other factors also. There is a subtle effect that occurs as the carry current increases – the current creates its own magnetic field that twists the blades and therefore can modulate the contact resistance slightly. It is sometimes possible to carry pulses higher than the carry current figure but the level will depend upon the duration and duty cycle. Please contact Pickering Technical Sales for further advice (techsales@pickeringrelay.com).

Switching Voltage.

This is the voltage, d.c. or a.c. peak that the relay will switch when the coil is first energised. This is usually for a resistive load.

Stand-off Voltage.

This is the voltage, d.c. or a.c. peak that the relay can withstand across its open contact without breaking down. This is usually specified for high voltage relays and will be a higher figure than the switching voltage.

Power Rating.

The power rating of the switch in Watts, is the product of the voltage across the open switch at the point of operation and the instantaneous current at the point of switching (VxI). This is normally specified for a resistive load.

Unique features of Pickering Reed Relays.

SoftCenter®.

Reed switch contacts are enclosed in a glass capsule, in an inert atmosphere or in the case of high voltage switches, a vacuum. This prevents oxidization or contamination of the contact surfaces. The integrity of the delicate glass/metal seal where the wire connections leave the switch capsule is therefore of paramount importance. Most reed relays are moulded within a very hard epoxy package which can sometimes lead to stresses on the switch. Different materials have different expansion/contraction rates and because of this, Pickering relays are encapsulated using a soft inner material to act as a buffer around the reed switch. This technique improves the reliability and performance of the part.

Formerless Coils.

Relay operating coils are usually wound on bobbins. The great majority of Pickering relays are made with self-supporting coils, sometimes called air coils. This avoids the space required for bobbins. In the case of smaller relay types, this gives around 50% more room for the coil winding, allowing the use of less sensitive reed switches with their inherent advantages of higher operating and restoring forces. In some ranges, this technique allows Pickering to achieve extremely high coil resistance figures.

Mu-metal magnetic screens.

Reed switches, are operated by the magnetic field generated by the coil wound around them. In more usual unscreened relays these magnetic fields will also act on the reed relays closely stacked alongside. The polarity of these fields will oppose those in the reed switches of adjacent relays making them less sensitive (see illustration). In some circumstances, this could lead to them not operating at the normal coil voltage. This problem is eliminated when using Pickering Reed Relays as they feature an integral mu-metal magnetic screen. This screen also improves the magnetic efficiency of the package.

The original article can be seen here.

Pickering Electronics adds Form B (energise to break) reed relays to its Series 119 high voltage micro-SIL relay range.

The relay is intended for voltages considerably higher than standard small SIL relays, ideal for Cable and Backplane Testers, mixed signal ATE or other applications where high voltage capability is required.

The vacuumed sputtered ruthenium reed switches have a low level performance also, making them an ideal choice where a wide range of signals are involved. The range is based on the long established Series 109P style of plastic package with an internal mu-metal magnetic screen, allowing for high packing density. All Pickering Reed Relays have full magnetic screening which permits side by side operations. The Series 119 is also made using Pickering’s unique SoftCentre construction.

The new Form B reed relays increase the scope of the range which already includes four versions, all with 3, 5 or 12 volt operating coils. The 1 Form A, 1kV version has a package and pin configuration compatible with the Pickering’s standard 109P Reed Relay, i.e. 4 pins on 0.15 inches (3.8mm) pitch. These can be stacked side-by-side for maximum packing density. The other types have package lengths and pin configurations appropriate for their voltage ratings.

The relays are available in Surface Mount, Single-in-Line (SIL), Dual-in-Line (DIL) and many other popular package styles.

To find out more about Pickering and the new 119 Series High Voltage Micro-SIL Reed Relay visit: pickeringrelay.com.

The original article can be seen here.