Sorting and Grading of Reed Switches

Sorting and grading of reed switches is done after measuring each and every reed switch produced for almost up to 20 parameters such as operate AT, release AT, differential, static contact resistance, variable contact resistance, operate time, release time etc. and then automatically dropping them in the right “boxes” as per customer requirements.

Reed Switches are multiple cycle tested, with full leads or formed lead depending on customer requirements. Some of the reed switches that don’t not meet the requirements are sent for further adjustments and then re-tested.

Advanced sorting is also conducted depending on the end application and this depends win whether the reed switch is going to operator as a normally open, normally closed, or latching device. Sorting and grading parameters and configurations are specially adjusted to offer maximum yield for such end applications, which customers of reed switches find it hard to do. We especially service these industries as these sorting parameters are tightly linked to the sputtering thickness as well as the blade flexibility.

Some applications require to be checked for Release AT as well as Operate AT and this drops the yield. Reed Switches that do not meet a particular specification are used in other applications that need for example, only an Operate AT requirement. Reed Switches that may have higher contact resistance levels at lower AT ranges, are also kept aside for further processing and re-testing.

We use 4-terminal Kelvin type of measurement for all tests, and the test coils are always kept vertical for best measurements.