Two-pole SIL relay saves space in PXI switching matrixes
Two-pole, single-in-line (SIL) reed relays in the 117 series are extensively used in large switching matrixes due to a combination of small size, performance and cost, says Pickering Electronics.
All models in the 117 series are rated at 100V and can a carry up to 0.5A signal current and switch 5W of signal power. Models in the series that support 3.0V coil drives are available for systems working at low supply voltages. The two-pole version has a footprint of just 10.16 x 3.81mm. The single pole device occupies just 6.86 x 3.81mm which is just 38 per cent and 26 per cent, respectively, of the board area required for industry-standard SIL relays, says Pickering.
The 117 series reed relays are constructed using Pickering Electronics SoftCenter technology with an integral magnetic screen. This, says the company, ensures that the relays exhibit “excellent reliability” and avoid magnetic interaction issues when closely packed together.
The reed relays are also priced very competitively, says Pickering, for use in high volumes in PXI and other switching matrix solutions.
Pickering Interfaces provides test and measurement solutions and uses 117 series reed relays in many of its products, including the Bric high-density, fully scalable, integrated PXI large matrix modules with built-in high-performance analogue bus. Available in two-, four-, or eight- slot 3U versions and rated at up to 150V, 1.0A and 20W, they rely on series 117 high-reliability instrument- grade reed relays to deliver the performance required by defence, automotive and semiconductor manufacturing industries.
Pickering Electronics was formed over 50 years ago to design and manufacture high quality reed relays, intended principally for use in instrumentation and test equipment. Today, Pickering’s single-in-line (SIL/SIP) range includes devices 25 per cent the size of many competitors, boasts Pickering. The SIL/SIP reed relays are sold to large automated test equipment (ATE) and semiconductor companies around the world.
