New high voltage smd reed relays can switch up to 1kV

Pickering Electronics released its first high voltage surface mount reed relays – the Series 219. Offered in multiple package types (of the same size but with differing pin positions), these reed relays can switch up to 1000V in 1 Form A (SPST), 2 Form A (DPST), and 1 Form B (SPNC) contact configurations; switch stand-off is up to 3000V, while switch-coil isolation is up to 5000V stand-off.

These relays are ideal for various high-voltage applications, including mixed signal semiconductor testers, medical equipment testing, EV charge point testing, and solar cell photovoltaic efficiency monitoring.

Within the range, all contact configurations are provided with three coil voltages: 3V, 5V, or 12V. Switch stand-off is up to 1.5kV in the 2 Form A package, up to 2kV in 1 Form B, and up to 3kV in the 1 Form A package, while switch-coil isolation is up to 5kV stand-off in 1 Form A and 1 Form B types. Switching is up to 0.7A and 10W, while operating temperatures range from -40C to +105C.

All part numbers are offered with a diode option. Suppression diodes are placed within the relay to protect the device driving the relay coil against back emf, generated when the current flow to the coil is interrupted. The drop in current causes a voltage to rise, damaging other components on a PCB board, such as the coil drive.

"Only Pickering makes surface mount high voltage relays with 2 Form A and 1 Form B packages," observed Robert King, product development manager at Pickering Electronics. "The 2 Form A configuration optimises board space, providing two switches in the same footprint. With 1 Form B, users can have a normally closed relay option that is not available elsewhere in the market."

The relay is obtainable with several standard build options tailored to a user's application. If requirements cannot be met by either a standard relay or any of the standard build options, the company also offers a customised reed relay service to suit the user's specific application.

In common with other relays produced by the company, the new series uses the very best instrument-grade switches with appropriate switchblade coatings for the currents and voltages demanded by the application. Another innovation – still not employed by some competition – is SoftCenter technology, that minimises internal stresses on the reed switch, resulting in an extended life and contact resistance stability. The use of magnetic Mu-Metal shielding and electrostatic screening stops faulty operation.