Farnell stocks Pickering Electronics’ reed relays around the world
Over 100 series of Pickering Electronics’ reed relays are now in stock for immediate delivery from Premier Farnell, following a global distribution deal.
Under the terms of the agreement Farnell, Newark and Element14 will stock the reed relays, ready for immediate delivery to worldwide customers.
Pickering’s reed relays are designed for instrumentation, test and measurement and semiconductor test applications. Only instrumentation-grade reed switches are used, ensuring a stable, long life or up to 5×109 operations. All Pickering’s reed relays are 100 per cent tested for all operating parameters, whereas other manufacturers batch test products which results in non-operational devices being supplied, explained Pickering. Testing includes repeated 100 per cent thermal cycling from -20 to +85 degrees C.
Pickering’s expertise in reed relays over more than 50 years has seen its introduction of SoftCenter technology, which cushions the reed switch, minimising internal stresses and extending the working life and contact stability. It also introduced internal mu metal screening, preventing interference between closely stacked relays. Today, Pickering claims to offer the world’s smallest high voltage reed relays, e.g., the series 131 with a minimum of 1.5kV stand-off. It also claims to offer the world’s smallest footprint reed relays, the Series 120 devices are rated for 1A, 20W switching in a footprint of just 4.0 x 4.0mm.
Keith Moore, CEO at Pickering Electronics, said: “The new distribution agreement with Farnell enables Pickering Electronics to broaden its reach in Europe, North America and Asia in the test and measurement and semiconductor test markets.” “Design engineers expect to have components on their desk within hours and this is something Farnell can facilitate.”
For Simon Meadmore, vice president of product and supplier management, at Farnell, the worldwide deal will enhance the distributor’s electromechanical relay product portfolio. “Farnell customers now have the flexibility to design and develop new products and test equipment featuring Pickering Electronics’ innovative products faster than ever before. As the number of electric vehicles on the roads rapidly increases, high voltage isolation reed relays are an essential solution for testing and continuing development of battery and drive-train technology,” he said.
