High-quality switches with sputtered ruthenium contacts suit low level ‘dry’ switching

Pickering Electronics has released its Series 100 HC high power SIL/SIP reed relay that is rated for 1A switching at up to 40W and up to 3A continuous carry current. Providing the highest quality instrumentation-grade switches with sputtered ruthenium contacts, the relays are ideal for low level or ‘dry’ switching applications.

Kevin Mallett, technical specialist at Pickering Electronics, commented: “The Series 100HC offers over double the coil resistance of other similar products and the continuous carry current specification of 3A can be increased in pulsed current applications.” “The higher coil resistance also results in reduced heating giving Series HC reed relays a thermal EMF performance less than 10μV,” he adds.

These relays offer an internal mu-metal screen to minimise issues that would otherwise be encountered due to magnetic interaction when closely stacked. Devices are offered with 5, 12 or 24V coils with optional internal diode and one or two switches in a single package.

The new high-power relays are ideal for high power applications, and in many instances, can be used as an alternative to mercury wetted reed relays.