Pickering adapts HV reed relay to include electrostatic shielding
A new variant of Pickering Electronics’ series 104 SIL/SIP reed relay family has optional electrostatic shielding between the switch and the coil to help minimise noise between the coil drive and high voltage circuits.
The new screening is in addition to Pickering’s internal mu-metal screen which eliminates problems that would otherwise be experienced due to magnetic interaction when devices are closely stacked.
The Series 104 reed relays are designed for such applications as mixed signal semiconductor testers, renewable technologies (e.g., solar or EV battery testing), transformer or cable testing or any other automatic test equipment where high voltages are involved. They are particularly well suited, said Pickering to any design where mains voltages are switched, for example to control and isolate thyristor/SCR or triac gates.
The company has also introduced four types of dry switches, capable of standing-off 1.5, 2.0, 3.0 and 4kV DC. The 3kV and 4kV versions have an increased clearance between the switch and coil pins to accommodate the higher voltage. Even higher voltage ratings are available to special order.
Mercury wetted devices are also available for applications where bounce-free switching is required. These latter devices are rated at 1500V DC minimum stand-off, 500VDC switching at up to 50W.
The miniature devices stack on a 6.35mm pitch and can feature one or two switches in a single package. They are available in 1 Form A, 2 Form A and 1 Form B configurations with 5.0, 12 or 24V coils and optional internal diode.
Further parts with electrostatic shielding reed relays are planned for launch early in 2023.
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 has devices 25 per cent the size of many competitors. These small SIL/SIP reed relays are sold in high volumes to large ATE and semiconductor companies throughout the world.
The privately-owned Pickering Group comprises three electronics manufacturers: reed relay company Pickering Electronics; Pickering Interfaces, designers and manufacturers of modular signal switching and simulation products, and Pickering Connect which designs and manufactures cables and connectors.
