Electrostatic shielding added to miniature reed relay to minimise noise

Pickering Electronics has released a new variant of its high voltage Series 104 SIL/SIP reed relay family with optional electrostatic shielding between the switch and the coil to help minimise noise between the coil drive and high voltage circuits. This new screening is in addition to its internal mu-metal screen which eradices problems that may otherwise be experienced due to magnetic interaction when devices are closely stacked.

The series of relays are ideal for applications including mixed signal semiconductor testers, renewable technologies such as solar or EV battery testing, transformer or cable testing and any other automatic test equipment where high voltages are involved. Where mains voltages are switched, such as to control and isolate SCR or triac gates, they are an excellent choice.

Four types of dry switches are offered, capable of standing-off 1.5, 2, 3 and 4kVDC – another new introduction. The 3kV and 4kV versions offer an increased clearance between the switch and coil pins to accommodate the higher voltage. Higher voltage ratings are offered to special order. Mercury wetted devices are also provided for applications where bounce free switching is needed. These latter devices are rated at 1500VDC minimum stand-off, 500VDC switching at up to 50W.

These miniature devices stack on a 6.35mm pitch, can provide one or two switches in a single package and are offered in 1 Form A, 2 Form A and 1 Form B configurations with 5V, 12V or 24V coils and optional internal diode.

Commented Kevin Mallett, technical specialist at Pickering Electronics: “Our miniature high voltage reed relays continue to be the perfect solution in existing and new high voltage applications and adding the option of an electrostatic shield to minimise noise between the signal and control circuitry provides extra protection where required.”