Series 122
Single Pole 4mm 2 ™ Reed Relays
Stacking on 4 mm x 4 mm pitch allowing the highest
packing density currently available
3 or 5 V coils
10 W, 0.5 A switching
1 Form A (SPST) normally open (NO) energize to make
Fast operate and release times making these relays
ideal for high speed test systems
Plastic package with internal mu-metal magnetic screen
Ideal for A.T.E. switching matrices or multiplexers
Sputtered ruthenium instrumentation grade switch
Insulation resistance >1012 Ω
Additional build options are available
Many benefits compared to industry standard relays (see last page)
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Package Type
The Series 122 reed relay range is part of Pickering’s new ultra-high density 4 mm2 product line, which take up the
minimum board area of only 4 mm x 4 mm, allowing the highest packing density currently available.
The range features a sputtered ruthenium instrumentation grade switch rated at 10 Watts, 0.5 Amps. These are the same
reed switches as used in the long established Pickering Series 112, 113 and 116 but are orientated vertically within the
package, allowing this high density. If a higher rating is required, please consider our Series 120 which are rated up to 1.0
Amp at 20 Watts but with a higher profile height. If a lower profile height is required, please consider our Series 124 with a
height of just 9.5 mm whilst rated up to 10 Watts, 0.5 Amps switching.
The small size of the package does not allow an internal diode. Back EMF suppression diodes are included in many relay
drivers but if they are not, and depending on your drive methods, these may have to be provided externally.
While socketing relays is not normally recommended due to the risk of affecting contact resistance integrity, it is
appreciated that sockets may sometimes be desired for ease of servicing/replacement, in the case of a relay being damaged
or reaching the end of its working life. The device has pins on a 2 mm square pitch. There are suitable connectors available
from some manufacturers, both SMD and Through Hole, that will allow these relays to be stacked in either a row or in a
matrix on a 4 mm pitch.
Pickering
Electronics'
Series 122
Industry standard
reed relay of the
same electrical
specification
The above actual size graphic shows sixteen
Series 122 Relays packed into an area of 1.6 cm x 1.6 cm.
In comparison, only four of the industry standard reed
relays can be fitted into the same area.
A total of 528 Series 122 relays on a Pickering
Interfaces ultra-high-density PXI module
illustrates the packing density of these extremely
small Reed Relays.
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ISSUE 1.2 JAN 2022
Examples of Packing Density
Specification
Single Pole 4mm 2 ™ Reed Relays – Series 122
Switch Ratings - Dry Switches
1 Form A (energize to make)
10 W at 200 V
The reed switch in the Series 122 is suitable for low level or 'cold' switching. In accordance with Pickering convention,
this switch is referred to as type number 2. There is no general purpose switch (type number 1) currently available in this
series, but the type 2 is suitable for all applications if it is used within its specified ratings. This means that high inrush
currents, particularly caused by capacitive loads must be avoided.
Series 122 switch ratings - contact ratings for each switch type
Switch
No
Switch
form
Power
rating
Max.
switch
current
Max.
carry
current
Max.
switching
volts
Life
expectancy
ops typical
(see Note1)
Operate
time inc
bounce
(max)
Release
time
Special
features
2
A
10 W
0.5 A
0.5 A
200
108
0.2 ms
0.1 ms
All applications
Note1: Life Expectancy
The life of a reed relay depends upon the switch load and end of life criteria. For example, for an ‘end of life’ contact
resistance specification of 1 Ω, switching low loads (10 V at 10 mA resistive) or when ‘cold’ switching, typical life is approx
2.5 x 108 ops. At the maximum load (resistive), typical life is 1 x 106 ops. In the event of abusive conditions, e.g. high currents
due to capacitive inrushes, this figure reduces considerably. Pickering will be pleased to perform life testing with any
particular load condition.
Operating Voltages
Coil voltage - nominal
Must operate voltage - maximum at 25°C
Must release voltage - minimum at 25°C
3V
2.25 V
0.3 V
5V
3.75 V
0.5 V
Environmental Specification/Mechanical Characteristics
In the table below, the upper temperature limit can be extended to +125 °C if the coil drive voltage is increased to
accommodate the resistance/temperature coefficient of the copper coil winding. This is approximately 0.4% per °C. This
means that at 125 °C the coil drive voltage will need to be increased by approximately 40 x 0.4 =16% to maintain the
required magnetic drive level. Please contact sales@pickeringrelay.com for assistance.
Operating Temperature Range
-20 ºC to +85 ºC
Storage Temperature Range
-35 ºC to +100 ºC
Shock Resistance
50 g
Vibration Resistance (10 - 2000 Hz)
20 g
Soldering Temperature (max) (10 s max)
270 ºC
Washability (Proper drying process is recommended)
Fully Sealed
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Specification
Single Pole 4mm 2 ™ Reed Relays – Series 122
Dry Relay: Series 122 Coil data and type numbers
Device Type
1 Form A,
Switch No. 2
Package Type 1
Type Number
Coil
(V)
Max.
Coil
contact
resistance resistance
(initial)
122-1-A-3/2
3
125 Ω
122-1-A-5/2
5
350 Ω
0.18 Ω
Insulation resistance
(minimum at 25 °C)
(see Note4)
Capacitance
(typical)
(see Note2, 3)
Switch
to coil
@1kV DC
Across
switch
Closed
switch
to coil
Across
open
switch
1012 Ω
1012 Ω
1.6 pF
0.25 pF
Note2: Switch to coil capacitance
Due to the asymmetrical internal construction of the relay, the capacitance to the coil from one switch connection is
approximately half the capacitance of the other switch connection, pin 1 is lower. In some applications this feature may be
used to advantage for example, in a multiplexer where it is desirable to minimize the capacitance of the common connection
to maximize bandwidth.
Note3: Capacitance across open switch
The capacitance across the open switch was measured with other connections guarded.
Note4: Insulation resistance
Insulation resistance will reduce at higher temperatures. For more information on temperature effects click here, or
contact Pickering for more in depth guidance.
The technical information shown in this data sheet could contain inaccuracies or typographical errors. This information may
be periodically changed or updated and these changes will be included in future versions of this data sheet.
For different values, latest specifications and product details, please contact your local Pickering sales office.
For FREE evaluation samples go to: pickeringrelay.com/samples
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Specification
Single Pole 4mm 2 ™ Reed Relays – Series 122
Pin Configuration, Weights and Dimensional Data (dimensions in inches, millimeters in brackets)
0.153
(3.9)
Package Type
Type
Package
11
0.153
(3.9)
Weight: Typical
Typical 0.37
Weight:
0.37g g
Cut away corner
indicates Pin 1
Pin
0.01
(0.25)
4
0.492
(12.5)
1 Form A
0.125
(3.2)
Pin
0.02
(0.5)
1
0.08
(2.0)
3
2
0.08
(2.0)
0.08
(2.0)
Connection details - viewed from underside
0.08
(2.0)
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pickeringrelay.com
Specification
Single Pole 4mm 2 ™ Reed Relays – Series 122
Similar Relays Comparison
If the Series 122 is unsuitable for your application, Pickering also manufactures two other series of reed relays with similar
characteristics, but in different package sizes.
Series Name
124-1-A
122-1-A
120-1-A
3.9 (0.153)
3.9 (0.153)
3.9 (0.153)
3.9 (0.153)
3.9 (0.153)
3.9 (0.153)
9.5 (0.375)
12.5 (0.492)
15.5 (0.61)
Package Volume
(mm3)
145
191
236
Typical Weights (g)
0.28
0.37
0.49
Contact
Configuration
1-A
(SPST)
1-A
(SPST)
1-A
(SPST)
Physical Outline
Depth
Width
Height
mm
(inches)
1
Reed Switch Type
Dry
Dry
Dry
Dry
Switching Voltage
(V)
170
200
200
200
Switching Current
(A)
0.5
0.5
1.0
0.5
Carry Current
(A)
0.5
0.5
1.2
1.2
Switch Power
(W)
10
10
20/15
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Reed Relay Selection Tool
Because Pickering offer the largest range of high-quality reed relays, sometimes it can be difficult to find the right reed relay
you require. That is why we created the Reed Relay Selector, this tool will help you narrow down our offering to get you the
correct reed relay for your application. To try the tool today go to: pickeringrelay.com/reed-relay-selector-tool
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Ordering Information
Single Pole 4mm 2 ™ Reed Relays – Series 122
Standard Build Options
The Series 122 Reed Relays are available with a number of standard build options to tailor them to your specific application.
These options are detailed in the table below. If you decide to go ahead and specify one, or more, of these options you will
be allocated a unique part number suffix.
Mechanical Build Options
Electrical Build Options
Special pin configurations or pin lengths
Different coil resistance
Special print with customer’s own part number or logo
Operate or de-operate time
Pulse capability
Enhanced specifications
Non-standard coil voltages and resistance figures
Special Life testing under customer’s specific load
conditions
Specific environmental requirements
Controlled thermal EMF possibility
Customization
If your specific requirements are not met by standard relay, or any of the standard build options, please speak to us to
discuss producing a customized reed relay to service your specific application: pickeringrelay.com/contact
3D Models
Interactive 3D models of the complete range of Pickering relay products in STEP, IGS and SLDPRT formats can be
downloaded from the website: pickeringrelay.com/3d-models
Part Number Description:
122 - 1 - A - 5 / 2 - xxx
Series
Number of reeds
Switch form
Coil voltage
Switch number (only Type 2 available)
Unique suffix (if standard build option selected)
Help
If you need any technical advice or other help, please do not hesitate to contact our Technical Sales Department. We will
always be pleased to discuss Pickering relays with you. email: techsales@pickeringrelay.com
Contact Us
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UK Headquarters - email: sales@pickeringrelay.com | Tel. +44 1255 428141
USA - email: ussales@pickeringrelay.com | Tel. +1 781 897 1710
Germany - email: desales@pickeringtest.com | Tel. +49 89 125 953 160
Product
France - email: frsales@pickeringtest.com | Tel. +33 9 72 58 77 00
25+Years 100%
Tested
Longevity
Nordic - email: ndsales@pickeringtest.com | Tel. +46 340 69 06 69
Czech Republic: czsales@pickeringtest.com | Tel. +420 558-987-613
China - email: chinasales@pickeringtest.com | Tel. +86 4008 799 765
For a full list of agents, distributors and representatives visit: pickeringrelay.com/agents
pickeringrelay.com
Single Pole 4mm 2 ™ Reed Relays – Series 122
10 Key Benefits of Pickering Reed Relays
Pickering Reed Relays
Typical Industry Reed Relays
Instrumentation Grade Reed Switches
with vacuum sputtered Ruthenium
plating to ensure stable, long life up to
5x10E9 operations.
Often low grade Reed Switches with
electroplated Rhodium plating resulting
in higher, less stable contact resistance.
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Formerless Coil
Construction
Formerless coil construction increases
the coil winding volume, maximizing
magnetic efficiency, allowing the use of
less sensitive reed switches resulting in
optimal switching action and extended
lifetime at operational extremes.
Use of bobbins decreases the coil
winding volume, resulting in having
less magnetic drive and a need to use
more sensitive reed switches which
are inherently less stable with greatly
reduced restoring forces.
3
Magnetic Screening
Mu-metal magnetic screening (either
external or internal), enables ultra-high
PCB side-by-side packing densities with
minimal magnetic interaction, saving
significant cost and space. Pickering
Mu-Metal magnetic screen - interaction
approx. 5%
Lower cost reed relays have minimal
or no magnetic screening, resulting in
magnetic interaction issues causing
changes in operating and release
voltages, timing and contact resistance,
causing switches to not operate at their
nominal voltages. Typical industry
screen - interaction approx. 30%
4
SoftCenter™ technology, provides
maximum cushioned protection of the
reed switch, minimising internal lifetime
stresses and extending the working life
and contact stability.
Transfer moulded reed relays (produced
using high temperature/pressure),
result in significant stresses to the glass
reed switch which can cause the switch
blades to deflect or misalign leading to
changes in the operating characteristics,
contact resistance stability and operating
lifetime.
100% testing for all operating
parameters including dynamic contact
wave-shape analysis with full data
scrutiny to maintain consistency.
Simple dc testing or just batch testing
which may result in non-operational
devices being supplied.
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Instrumentation Grade
Reed Switches
SoftCenter™
Technology
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100% Dynamic
Testing
X-Ray of Pickering
mu-metal
magnetic screen
X-Ray of typical
industry
magnetic screen
Dynamic Contact Resistance Test
Operate
Contact Resistance
Key Benefit
Release
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100% Inspection
at Every Stage of
Manufacturing
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Inspection at every stage of
manufacturing maintaining high levels
of quality.
Often limited batch inspection.
Stress testing of the manufacturing
processes, from -20°C to +85°C to -20°C,
repeated 3 times.
Rarely included resulting in field failures.
+85°C
100% Thermal
Cycling
-20°C
Product Longevity
Limited ability to customize.
Pickering are committed to product
longevity; our reed relays are
manufactured and supported for
more than 25 years from introduction,
typically much longer.
Most other manufacturers discontinue
parts when they reach a low sales
threshold; costing purchasing and R&D
a great deal of unnecessary time and
money to redesign and maintain supply.
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Our reed relays can be customized
easily, e.g. special pin configurations,
enhanced specifications, non-standard
coil or resistance figures, special life
testing, low capacitance, and more.
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Mass production: Usually large
batch sizes and with no quick-turn
manufacturing.
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Custom Reed Relays
Flexible manufacturing processes allow
quick-turn manufacturing of small
batches.
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Flexible
Manufacturing
Process
Product
25+Years
Longevity
For more information go to: pickeringrelay.com/10-key-benefits
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© Copyright (2022) Pickering Electronics. All Rights Reserved
Pickering Electronics maintains a commitment to continuous product development, consequently we reserve the right to vary from the description given in this data sheet.
Coil Voltage