High voltage reed relays save space, reduce design complexity, says Pickering
Reed relays in the Series 67 from Pickering Electronics now includes a model with a new changeover 1 Form C version. This high voltage PCB relay saves space and simplifies design, says Pickering.
Where high voltage signals need to be routed to alternate points, polarity reversing, capacitor charge or discharge for example, a high voltage changeover relay (SPDT/Form C) would be ideal, explains Kevin Mallet, Pickering Electronics’ technical specialist. “These are often implemented using two normally open (SPST/Form A) high voltage relays, by ensuring that one switch is always opened before the second switch is closed,” he says. The drawback is that this requires twice the PCB area and can cause complex driving issues. “Also, if either of the SPST relays sticks then there is risk of unintentionally shorting signals,” he adds. Pickering says the 67-1-C high voltage reed relay guarantees break-before-make operation in a single, compact part.
Rated at up to 5kV stand-off, 2.5kV switching at 100W (max), the new Series 67 changeover relays measure just 58.4 x 12.6mm. This is the same size as a standard Series 67 relay. They relays are available with 5.0, 12 or 24V coils. They also feature PCB connections to switch and coil and, in common with all Pickering relays, have internal EMI screening and SoftCenter construction. The fully-encapsulated, single-in-line relays have tungsten-plated contacts. Additionally, optional flying leads are available for high voltage connections.
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 says its single-in-line (SIL/SIP) range has devices that are 25% 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.
Pickering Electronics is part of the privately-owned Pickering Group which also includes Pickering Interfaces which designs and manufactures modular signal switching and simulation products, and Pickering Connect which designs and manufactures cables and connectors.
