High power reed relays offer an alternative to mercury wet reed relays or electromechanical relays

     Pickering Electronics has released its latest high-power reed relay Series 144 with an impressive 80W power rating while stacked on a compact 0.25-inch pitch. SIP reed relays have switching current up to 2A with output power up to 60W, or output power up to 1A with output power up to 80W with continuous load current up to 3A. In addition, it has high voltage capability with switching voltages of 1000VDC, up to 10W and up to 3kV.

     The company's smallest micro-SIP reed relays, rated at up to 80W, combine the ability to effectively switch higher power with excellent low-level performance, making them an excellent choice for high-power and low-level switching functions. Applications include mixed-signal semiconductor testers, photovoltaic and electric vehicle charging, mining gas analysis, medical electronics, in-line test equipment, and high-voltage instrumentation. In many cases, this series offers a more environmentally friendly alternative to mercury wet reed relays and is a superior alternative to electromechanical relays whose low-level performance and high isolation can prove significant advantages.

     Kevin Mallett, technical specialist at Pickering Electronics, notes, "With its impressively high power rating, the 144 series offers a more environmentally friendly alternative to mercury wet reed relays. "While dry reeds may not offer bounceless operation, their more environmentally friendly construction contributes to sustainable practices." The 144 series is also a viable alternative to micro-electromechanical relays (EMRs). Its low level of performance and superior isolation significantly improve efficiency and reliability in many applications - reed relays offer faster switching speeds and longer mechanical life than EMRs, further enhancing their appeal."

     The maximum switching voltage is 1000VDC, up to 10W, and the choice of 2 or 3kV DC isolation makes these relays suitable for a wide range of applications. The 3kV version increases the gap between the switch and the coil pins to accommodate the higher voltage. 1 Form A, 2 Form A, and 1 Form B configurations are available with 5v, 12v, or 24v coils, all with optional internal diode protection. Other build options are also available upon request, including many pin configurations. Pickering also offers custom load testing to ensure components meet the exact specifications and requirements.

     Using a vacuum reed switch in which the contacts are sealed in a glass tube, the reed relay structure has advantages over emr. This design provides a protective barrier against environmental factors such as dust, moisture and other pollutants. In contrast, electronic medical records are structurally open, exposing their internal components. Over time, this can lead to oxidation, especially in environments with high humidity or air pollutants, seriously affecting low level performance. At the same time, reed relays tend to maintain their performance and reliability for longer periods of time, making them the preferred choice for applications where durability and life span are critical.

     The company's reed relays are highly reliable due to superior manufacturing and quality control processes. They have instrument grade sputtered ruthenium contacts instead of the more common electroplated rhodium associated with lower grade reed relays. Coupled with Pickering SoftCenter technology, the internal stress of the reed switch is minimized, resulting in extended service life and contact resistance stability. The no-front coil construction makes the package smaller than typical for such devices, while magnetic Mu-Metal screening eliminates problems due to magnetic interactions when relays are tightly stacked.