Defibrillators Use Reed switches to Switch High Voltages

Defibrillators are equipments that deliver an electric current to the heart, when cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, or CPR is required. Defibrillation is a treatment for life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia, or irregular heart beat. This condition is also known as fibrillation. The high current depolarizes the heart muscles, and although not fully understood, stops the fibrillation.

Defibrillators can be external or implantable. Some models of external defibrillators come with a battery to make this devices portable for use in ambulances and other reserved zones. These need to conserve battery to ensure that the set high current value is discharge. This is where special high voltage reed switches, capable of switching thousands of volts are used. High Voltage Reed Switches with a breakdown voltage higher than 1000V are used in the manufacture of High Voltage Reed Relays. These Reed Relays which are used in Defibrillators are triggered by a button the person in charge of CPR presses, when the set power has been reached.

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.

Relay or Electromagnetic Coil Type

When it is necessary to control a circuit load by using a separate low-power signal, or where the states of several circuits must be Continue reading -> Sep 3, 2024

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.

Ultra Miniature Reed Sensors, R5

R5-J SMD Reed SensorR5-J Reed Sensor PCB Layout drawingR5-J Carrier TapeR5-S SMD Reed SensorR5-S Reed Sensor PCB Layout drawingR5-S Continue reading -> Jun 18, 2025

R4 Ultra Miniature SMD Reed Sensor

R4-S SMD Reed SensorR4-S Reed Sensor PCB Layout drawingR4-F SMD Reed SensorR4-F Reed Sensor PCB Layout drawingR4 Reed Sensor Packing Continue reading -> Jun 18, 2025

Ultra Miniature Reed Switch, UM-0018-M

Full Length LeadsCropped LeadsSMD formed LeadsFormed Leads for Horizontal mountingFormed Leads for Vertical Mounting starFeatures 5.0 Continue reading -> Jun 18, 2025

High Breakdown Voltage Reed Switch, HB-2232

HB-2232 High Breakdown Voltage Reed Switch with Full Length LeadsCropped LeadsSMD Formed LeadsLeads Formed for Horizontal MountingLeads Continue reading -> Sep 3, 2024