Pickering Electronics has released new comparative test data showing its compact reed relays generate far less thermal EMF than rival parts, a key advantage in miniaturized, low?voltage systems where microvolt?level offsets can skew measurements. In one head?to?head test, the company’s 4 mm?pitch Series 120 reed relays recorded a final thermal EMF offset of about 46 µV, versus roughly 403 µV for a competing device, an 88.5% reduction.
Why thermal EMF matters in dense designs
In applications like semiconductor test, automated test equipment (ATE), precision data acquisition and low?level signal switching, the relay isn’t just a space?saver; it’s part of the measurement chain. Even tiny thermal EMF contributions can show up as errors when dealing with millivolt or microvolt signals.
Pickering’s Series 120 reed relays, with a 3.9 × 3.9 mm footprint, allow tight stacking on the PCB while retaining classic reed?relay benefits: high insulation resistance, low leakage, low contact resistance and long life.
The new data, detailed in the article ‘Not all high density Reed Relays perform the same…’, makes the point that shrinking PCB footprint doesn’t have to mean tolerating higher thermal EMF in the signal path.
What’s inside Pickering’s relays
Pickering positions itself as a leader in the high?end reed relay segment, citing decades of manufacturing experience and tight quality control.
All its relays use instrumentation?grade reed switches rated for billions of cycles, and feature formerless coil construction plus the company’s patented SoftCenter technology for improved mechanical robustness.
Mu?metal screening supports high packing density with minimal magnetic interference, and every relay is 100% tested before shipment.
Leadership Comment
Robert King, Reed Relays Product Manager at Pickering Electronics said, “As components become smaller and test systems become more densely packed, engineers need to understand the errors that the switching components themselves can introduce. Our testing showed that the Series 120 produced around 8.7 times less thermal EMF offset than the comparable 4mm-class relay we tested. For low-level measurements, reducing that unwanted voltage helps the switching system preserve the signal being measured.”
Learn about 10 key advantages Pickering’s reed relays offer over competitor relays at: CLICK HERE
Product details: Series 120 4 mm, 1 A, 20 W reed relays
