Reed switches, also known as reed relays, are simple electromagnetic switches that are commonly used in numerous electrical devices. Made of a bundle of thin, flexible metal reeds or contacts enclosed in a glass envelope, reed switches play an important role in many commercial and industrial applications owing to their longevity and reliability. In this article, we will explore the working, applications, advantages and future scope of reed switches.
What is a Reed Switch?
A reed switch consists of a bundle of normally closed or normally opened magnetic reed contacts held inside a sealed glass tube. Each reed is a thin, flexible strip or blades of metallic alloys like nickel iron or palladium nickel. When exposed to a magnetic field, the reed blades either attract or repel each other depending on their positioning, leading to the opening or closing of the circuit. Manufacturers seal the reeds and their copper or silver alloy leads into a hermetically sealed glass capsule using an inert gas like argon or helium to prevent corrosion.
Working of Reed Switches
The working principle of reed switches is based on magnetism. When no magnetic field is present, the reed contacts remain either normally open or normally closed depending on their default state. When an external magnetic field is applied through a coil surrounding the glass capsule, the reed strips flex accordingly due to their nature as ferrous alloys.
For a normally open reed switch, when the magnetic field is removed, the contacts return to their spaced apart position breaking the circuit. Similarly, in a normally closed configuration, the contacts separate and break contact when magnetized. This simple operation of opening and closing electrical contacts using a magnetic field makes reed switches highly reliable and long-lasting.
Applications of Reed Switches
- Security devices: Reed switches are extensively used in alarm, security and access control systems to detect door/window openings.
- Appliances: They can be found in appliances like washing machines, dishwashers to detect lid openings.
- Automotive: Ignition systems, gas tank covers, seat position sensors use reed switches.
- Industrial equipment: Level monitors, ventilation controls, medical equipment employ reed switches.
- Computers & electronics: Keyboards, printers, hard drives utilize reed switches for power saving.
Advantages of Reed Switches
- Hermetic sealing protects the fragile reed contacts from environmental damage, dust, moisture giving long operational life.
- Require low power to operate yet provide isolation between electronic and magnetic circuits.
- Simple and compact in design with no wear or mechanical fatigue, ensure reliability over millions of closures.
- Fast response to magnetic fields without contact bounce or chatter for stable output signals.
- Available in both N/O and N/C configurations for flexible application in circuits.
- RoHS compliant, do not require maintenance and have long shelf life of over 20 years.
New Applications and Future Scope
With further miniaturization capabilities, Reed Switch Device are finding new areas of usage. Miniature reed relays are enabling the development of novel IoT, medical and interactive devices. Integrated reed switches in printed circuit boards allow for compact designs. Research is also being conducted to replace reed switches with lithography-fabricated micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) magnetic sensors for enhanced performance and scope in mobile devices. Advances in materials science may lead to reed contacts with improved properties like conductivity, strength and flexibility. Overall, reed switches promise to remain critical components for automation and security in the foreseeable future.
Reed switches are dependable magnetic actuated switches suitable for diverse fields due to their long operational life, uncomplicated design and rugged, enclosed construction. Their availability in a variety of miniature package styles has kept reed switches relevant for emerging technologies. With continued refinement, reed switches are likely to carve stable niches in both existing and new industrial, commercial and consumer applications.
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The newly added Reed Switch market research report by Value Market Research disclose all the important information associated with the market such as value, growth factor, trends, market share, size, and challenges for the forecasted timeline 2020-2027.
Further, this report also highlights smart strategy adopted by major players and also their market share.
Basically, this report is designed to give a proper understanding of industry structure and competition intensity attractiveness.The research report also covers the comprehensive profiles of the key players in the market and an in-depth view of the competitive landscape worldwide.
The major players in the reed switch market include OKI, Standex-Meder, RMCIP, Nippon Aleph, Hamlin, PIC, PIT-RADWAR, Coto, STG Germany GmbH, XURUI, Feitengda S. This section includes a holistic view of the competitive landscape that includes various strategic developments such as key mergers & acquisitions, future capacities, partnerships, financial overviews, collaborations, new product developments, new product launches, and other developments.Get more information on "Global Reed Switch Market Research Report" by requesting FREE Sample Copy at https://www.valuemarketresearch.com/contact/reed-switch-market/download-sampleMarket DynamicsConstant growth in the automotive and transportation sector is the main factor driving the market report.
Reed switches play a vital role in several critical processes, including readouts on the dashboards, brakes, coolant measurement, windshields, emission, etc.
Also, rising household appliances and consumer electronic market is another factor that propels the demand.
