Smallest Two-Pole Reed Relay Optimizes PCB Space for ATE
Pickering Electronics has introduced its latest high-density reed relay, Series 125 – the industry’s smallest two pole DPST (double-pole, single-throw) reed relay – switching up to an impressive 1 Amp, 20 Watts, while stacking on a compact 5mm x 5mm pitch. This high packing density maximises PCB real estate, making the relays ideal for very high-density applications such as ATE (automated test equipment) switching matrices or multiplexers. The relay also excels in mixed-signal environments, offering high insulation resistance (>1012 Ω) and low contact resistance, thanks to its sputtered ruthenium instrumentation-grade switches.
“With Series 125, engineers no longer need to compromise between performance and space – so it’s ideal for those who need to maximise PCB real estate,” noted Rob King, Reed Relay Product Manager at Pickering Electronics. “Its 2 Form A contacts make it an ideal fit for applications like ATE switching matrices or multiplexers. Full mu-metal magnetic screening enables side-by-side packing without risk of magnetic interaction, allowing a total of 288 Series 125 relays to be placed on a PXI BRIC matrix daughter card to facilitate very high-density switching applications.”
Mu-metal, known for its high permeability and low magnetic remanence, provides effective magnetic shielding. This eliminates issues that would otherwise be caused by magnetic interaction, typically measured as the percentage increase in the voltage needed to operate a relay when two additional relays, positioned on either side, are also in operation. By comparison, an unshielded device placed next to another would typically exhibit an interaction figure of around 40%. Therefore, without magnetic shielding, even relays of this small size would be unsuitable for applications requiring dense packing. Series 125 relays typically achieve an interaction figure of only 1%.
Although small in size, the Series 125 package allows the fitting of an optional internal diode. This prevents voltage spikes caused by the inductive kickback when the relay coil is de-energized. The diode provides a path for the current to dissipate safely, protecting sensitive components from damage and reducing electrical noise. If not fitted, Back EMF diodes may have to be provided externally.
Additional build options are available on request, including unique pin configurations, non-standard coil voltages/resistances, operate/de-operate times, pulse capability, special life testing under specific customer load conditions, and more.
