This enhancement provides engineers with more options for higher switching specifications without occupying additional PCB space. As part of its commitment to continuous innovation and product enhancement, these higher power ratings expand the already extensive range of switching options available. With thousands of versions on offer, along with customisable and bespoke relays for any application, engineers now have greater flexibility than ever.
The Series 112 single-in-line (SIL) reed relays, which require a board area of only 0.15 inches (3.8mm) by 0.4 inches (10mm), now include a new general-purpose switch type 1 option. This option is rated for up to 20 Watts (15 W for the 3 V coil version) at 1 Amp switching current, with a 1 Amp carry current. The compact footprint of this relay is achieved by mounting the reed switch diagonally within the package. The series is suitable for high-density card-based systems such as VME, VXI, CompactPCI, and PXI, and the high-quality, sputtered ruthenium switch contacts make them ideal for automatic test equipment (ATE).
The Series 113 SIL reed relay range has also been updated to include the new general-purpose switch type 1 options. This switch is rated for up to 20 Watts (15 W for the 3 V coil version) at 1 Amp switching current, with 1 Amp carry current. The board area remains compact at 0.15 inches (3.8mm) by 0.5 inches (12.7mm). This series also includes the smallest changeover reed relay available on the market, with a 2 Watts rating (switch type number 3) and a coaxial device suitable for up to 3GHz. Additionally, the switch type 1 option will be available in 2-pole DPST with a 5 V coil, offering up to 20 Watts switching at 1 Amp.
Designed for very high-density applications, such as ATE switching matrices or multiplexers, the Series 116 relays now offer new general-purpose switch type 1 options rated for up to 20 Watts (15 W for the 3 V and 5 V coil versions) at 1 Amp switching current, with 1 Amp carry current. The board area is optimised with 1 Form A (SPST) stacking on a 0.15 inch (3.8mm) x 0.27 inch (6.9mm) pitch and 2 Form A (DPST) stacking on a 0.15 inch (3.8mm) x 0.40 inch (10mm) pitch. Series 116 will also be available in 2-pole DPST, with a 5 V coil up to 1 Amp, 15 W, or a 12 V coil with up to 20 W switching.
The Series 122 reed relays, occupying a PCB footprint of only 4mm x 4mm, now feature new general-purpose switch type 1 options rated for up to 15 Watts at 1 Amp switching current, with 1 Amp carry current. Measuring 12.5mm in height, these relays facilitate the highest packing density currently available and feature the highest quality instrumentation-grade reed switches and internal mu-metal magnetic screens to minimise magnetic interaction when relays are stacked closely together.
“With these increased power ratings for new general purpose switch type number 1 options – 50-100% higher than in previous switch type number 2 option,” noted Kevin Mallett, Technical Specialist at Pickering Electronics, “customers can now benefit from higher switching specification options across four of our most popular relay series.”
Pickering reed relays are renowned for their reliability due to superior manufacturing and quality control processes. They feature instrumentation-grade sputtered ruthenium contacts, unlike the more common electroplated rhodium found in lower-grade reed relays, which have less stable contact resistance. Combined with Pickering’s formerless coil construction, this maximises magnetic efficiency, allowing the use of less sensitive reed switches, resulting in optimal switching action and extended operational life. Magnetic mu-metal screening eliminates issues caused by magnetic interaction when relays are closely stacked.
Pickering also distinguishes itself by 100% testing all operating parameters, including dynamic contact wave-shape analysis with thorough data scrutiny to ensure consistency. Unlike other manufacturers that perform only simple DC testing or batch testing, potentially supplying non-operational devices, Pickering Electronics guarantees reliability. Additionally, they conduct 100% thermal cycling stress testing of the manufacturing processes, ranging from -20°C to +85°C and back to -20°C, repeated three times. This rigorous testing is rarely performed by other manufacturers and often prevents repeated field failures.
