Pickering Electronics, a leading manufacturer of high-performance reed relays, is advancing its high-voltage relay technology through the evaluation of partial discharge (PD) testing, initially focusing on its Series 600 and Series 620 ranges. Visitors to electronica (stand A4.242) can meet Pickering’s engineering and technical teams to discuss these developments and explore its extensive high-voltage reed relay portfolio.
Conventional high-voltage withstand testing can confirm that insulation survives a specified voltage without electrical breakdown, but may not reveal microscopic voids or air gaps within the insulation. Under sustained high-voltage stress, gas trapped within these voids can become ionised, causing partial discharges that progressively degrade insulation and may eventually lead to relay failure.
“Partial discharge testing allows us to detect this activity before complete electrical breakdown occurs, providing valuable insight into potential insulation weaknesses that conventional testing might miss,” explains Robert King, Reed Relay Product Manager at Pickering Electronics. “This helps us better understand and optimise the long-term reliability of our high-voltage reed relays.”
Pickering recently collaborated with a leading automated test equipment (ATE) manufacturer to develop a customised Series 620 high-voltage reed relay with enhanced electrical isolation. The modified relay features a segmented internal design to increase isolation, alongside advanced potting and resin encapsulation techniques to minimise internal voids and air gaps. PD testing was used to validate the insulation performance of the new design, supporting reliable operation in demanding high-voltage ATE applications.
“This project highlights the flexibility of Pickering’s Series 620 platform and our ability to work closely with customers to develop tailored switching solutions for demanding high-voltage applications,” adds King.
Pickering’s Series 600 and Series 620 ranges support applications across semiconductor manufacturing, medical equipment, energy storage, renewable energy and industrial automation. The Series 600, the world’s most customisable high-voltage reed relay, offers switching voltages up to 12.5 kV, switching power up to 200 W and stand-off voltages up to 20 kV. The Series 620 complements this range with additional design flexibility for specialised high-voltage requirements.
Visitors to electronica 2026, taking place in Munich from 10–13 November, can find Pickering Electronics at stand A4.242 to discuss these developments and their specific relay requirements.
