The Pickering Series 103 is a range of Single-in-Line reed relays intended for such applications as wide bandwidth A.T.E. switching matrices, attenuator switching or any other applications where exceptionally low levels of inter-terminal capacitances are required, for example, when carrying fast rise time pulses.

A version with an internal co-axial electrostatic screen is available which is ideal for applications where capacitively coupled noise from switch to coil connections is undesirable.

The co-axial device has a characteristic impedance of 50 ohms and is also suitable for RF applications, HF performance is similar to the Series 102M.

The range consists of two basic types, the first achieves ultra low capacitance levels of typically 0.1pf from each switch connection to the coil and typically 0.08pf across the open switch contacts, by virtue of an internal coaxial electrostatic screen or guard connection. Where it is not possible to drive a guard, the second type has inherently low capacitance figures of typically 0.4pf from each switch connection to the coil and typically 0.1pf across the open switch contacts. These figures for the unguarded version are around one
quarter of those for standard SIL devices. An internal mu-metal magnetic screen is an option in both of these types.

The Series 103 may be stacked on 0.2 inches pitch and is pin compatible with all other 0.2 inch SIL relays. They are encapsulated in a plastic package using a very high resistivity resins.

Two types of Form A (energize to make) switches are available, a general purpose switch (switch no.1) and a vacuum sputtered ruthenium switch (switch no.2) which is ideal for very low level or “cold” switching applications.