The Advantages of Sputtered Ruthenium Contacts in Reed Relays for Automatic Test Equipment

When it comes to automatic test equipment (ATE), the choice of relay technology can significantly impact performance, reliability, and accuracy. Reed relays with instrumentation grade sputtered ruthenium contacts have emerged as a superior option for enhancing the capabilities of ATE. Here, we delve into why these relays are particularly beneficial for ATE applications.

1. High Reliability and Durability

Reed relays with sputtered ruthenium contacts are renowned for their high reliability and durability. Ruthenium, a hard, corrosion-resistant metal, forms a robust surface when sputtered onto contact points. This results in contacts that can endure repeated mechanical operations and electrical switching without significant wear and tear. For ATE, which undergoes extensive use, this durability translates to fewer replacements, reduced downtime, and lower maintenance costs. The lifetime of many of our relays is over 1,000,000,000 operations when used in the right conditions.

2. Low Contact Resistance

Maintaining low contact resistance is essential for accurate signal transmission in ATE. Ruthenium excels in this regard, providing low resistance that minimizes signal loss. This characteristic is crucial for ensuring precise measurements and reliable data, which are the backbone of any testing procedure. Consistent low contact resistance helps in achieving the high accuracy necessary for testing electronic components and circuits.

3. Stable Electrical Performance

The stable electrical characteristics of ruthenium contacts contribute to consistent performance in ATE. This stability is key for obtaining reliable and repeatable test results, which is necessary for ensuring the quality and performance of the devices being tested. The consistency provided by ruthenium contacts supports the high standards required in testing environments, making them an excellent choice for ATE.

4. Precision and Miniaturization

The sputtering process allows for the precise and uniform application of ruthenium onto contact surfaces. This precision supports the miniaturization trends in electronics, enabling the creation of smaller, more efficient reed relays without sacrificing performance. As electronic devices continue to shrink in size, the ability to maintain high performance in compact testing equipment becomes increasingly important. This is why we have created our high density and ultra-high density ranges of reed relays – the smallest available on the market.

Conclusion

Sputtered ruthenium contacts in reed relays offer a range of benefits that make them ideal for use in automatic test equipment. From high reliability and low contact resistance to precision manufacturing and stable electrical performance, ruthenium contacts enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and longevity of ATE. By choosing sputtered ruthenium contacts, ATE designers can ensure their equipment meets the rigorous standards required for modern electronic testing.

For anyone involved in the design or operation of automatic test equipment, considering relays that use sputtered ruthenium contacts is a smart move that promises enhanced performance and reliability. Please get in touch if you have any technical questions regarding switches with sputtered ruthenium contacts, or if there is anything else you would like to know about reed relays.