Reed switches in Vagus Nerve Stimulators
The Vagus nerve in the neck is one of the primary communication lines to the brain. For patients with epilepsy problems, Vagus nerve stimulators or VNS for short, are implantable devices that help control seizures.
This is generally done as an out-patient procedure as the implant is small and can be embedded near the collar bone, under the skin. Vagus Nerve Stimulators control the stimulation of impulses to the brain, by delivering electrical impulses to the Vagus Nerve.
When a patient senses a seizure coming, a magnetic wand is used over the area where the VNS is implanted, to activate the reed switch inside, which triggers an extra, on-demand stimulation to the Vagus nerve, by controlling the frequency, current, duty cycle and pulse width.
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.
Position sensing Type
 | Position Sensing type application When an application requires the end position of a movement sensed, or the sensing of a part when it Continue reading Nov 7, 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.
R5 Ultra-Miniature SMD Reed Sensor
 | These SMD Ultra-Miniature Reed Sensors are designed for signal switching applications and have a size advantage over the standard size SMD Continue reading Jun 7, 2021 |
R4 Ultra-miniature SMD Reed Sensor
 | These R4 ultra-miniature SMD reed sensors are designed for signal switching applications and have a size advantage over the standard size Continue reading Jun 4, 2021 |
UM-0018-M Ultra Miniature Reed Switch
 | This highly sensitive, Form A type, UM-0018-M Ultra Miniature Reed Switches are designed for switching high speed signal loads with an Continue reading Nov 8, 2022 |