Reed sensors in Survival rafts and ELTs

Survival rafts contain water sensors which trigger the compressed air cylinder to inflate the raft when dropped into the sea or a lake or a river. To prevent against accidental inflation, a reed switch is placed in the control circuit of the raft which is activated with a magnet on the outside of the case.

Before the raft can be used, it needs to be taken out of the case which then takes the magnet away from the reed switch. This activates the water sensor and the homing beacon. Reed Switches are also used in emergency locator transmitters (ELT) to prevent the unit from transmitting when inside the cover. This is also achieved in a similar manner, by placing a magnet inside the pocket of the cover and mounting a reed switch inside the ELT. This keeps the ELT from transmitting as long as it is inside its cover. Such applications use normally open or normally closed type reed switches depending on the control circuit logic.

Application Classification

Applications are classified as Position Sensing, Pulse Counting, Electromagnetic or Relay, Temperature Sensing or Magnet Biasing types. This application is classified as follows and the link gives more information on best practices to help select the most suitable AT band and matching magnet.

Magnet Biasing Type

Magnet Biasing type Vane application Some special field applications, for the sake of circuit logic, security concerns, or a power Continue reading -> Nov 30, 2020

Recommended Products

The Reed Switches and Sensors used in such applications need to be robust, durable and efficient in meeting a high life expectancy. Our engineers work hard in life testing our products under various conditions, and our intention is to ensure end product durability and life. Although we wouldn’t want to restrict any of our products for use in only certain applications, the recommended products for use in this application are listed below.

R2B, Normally Closed, SMD Reed Sensor

Drawing of R2B-S NC Reed SensorR2B-S Gull-wing SMD Formed Reed Sensor Pad LayoutDrawing of R2B-F NC Reed SensorR2B-F Low Profile SMD Continue reading -> Nov 30, 2020

MS-106 Reduced Miniature PCB Mountable Reed Sensor

Drawing of MS-106 Reed SensorDrawing of MS-106 Reed Sensor Pad Layout starFeatures10W Contact Rating. 15.2 mm PCB Pitch. Normally Continue reading -> Dec 2, 2020

MS-108 Standard Size PCB Mountable Reed Sensor

Drawing of MS-108 Reed SensorDrawing of MS-108 Reed Sensor Pad Layout starFeatures10W Contact Rating. 20.3 mm PCB Pitch. Normally Continue reading -> Oct 30, 2020

LV-1925 Reed Switch for Line Voltage switching

The LV-1925 is a Line Voltage Reed Switch is designed for endurance at switching line voltage loads of 230V. Two versions are capable of Continue reading -> Dec 2, 2020