Wouldn´t a reed switch suit to you?

A reed switch operates on a principle of deformation of magnetically conductive blades in a magnetic field

It can be said, that most of the reed switches outstanding properties result from the fact, that the reed themselves are small, light-weight, and distant only a few hundredths of millimeters (at small types). At the same time, they are hermetically sealed in a glass capsule in a vacuum, or more often - filled with an inert gas. 

Thanks to this construction, Meder electronic reed contacts (and on their basis produced reed relays and reed sensors) feature mainly these properties:

● ability to switch up to 10 000V (common types up to approx. 350V)

● ability to switch or carry extremely small signals (10nV)
● very short operating (switching) time (mS)
● ability to switch or carry extremely small currents (femtoAmper)
● very low parasitic capacitance, that´s why they´re able to transfer even HF signals up to 7 GHz with minimal signal loss
● high isolation resistance, up to 10¹⁵ Ohm
● long-term stable and low contact-on resistance (50 miliOhm)
● ability to work in a latching mode
● ability to work in an extreme temperature range (-55 to +200°C)
● reliable even in very demanding dusty, moisty or corrosive environment
● reliable even in vibrating devices (up to 2000 Hz)
● long lifetime. At 5V/10 mA switching, operates reliably up to 10¹⁰ cycles.

A reed contact can be considered to be a “sensor” controlled by a magnetic field, most often by a permanent magnet or by a coil, creating a reed relay.

Components with reed contacts can be divided into three basic groups: 

• reed contacts,
• reed sensors,
• reed relays.

Reed switches themselves, soldered into a PCB, can serve for many applications for example monitoring of a position (for example closing of a door, end positions of various mechanisms, …), counting of goods, etc.

However, from a mounting and mechanical protection point of view, in praxis, the reed sensors are usually more convenient, as they are optimized exactly according to a given application. Reed relays offer all the above-mentioned features of reed contacts, thus being an ideal choice for example in measurement equipment, HF/ audio/ video, and other devices with small signals, at switching of high voltages, and in many other applications.

Small dimensions, very low power consumption of common relays (50-125 mW), extreme reliability, and a relatively low price are other arguments for the usage of components from the company Standex-Meder.

Reed switch vs a mechanical switch

Much useful information can be found in the documents: 

• „The Basic Reed Switch“,
• „Reedswitch used with permanent magnet“,
• „Reed Switch used as Reed Relay“
• „Parameters_of_Reed_Switch“.

Selected types are available directly from our stock, upon request, we´re able to provide you with any other type from the Standex-Meder portfolio. In case of interest, please contact us at sales@soselectronic.com.