OKI introduces high switching current reed switch

TOKYO, JAPAN: OKI Sensor Device, an OKI Group company that develops, manufactures, and sells reed switches, has introduced the ORD872, a high-current reed switch housed in a glass tube measuring 16.5 mm in length and boasting an industry-first maximum carry current of 5 A and maximum switching current of 2 A.

Samples will be available from October 30, with production devices slated to begin shipping by December 1. OKI Sensor Device has set sales targets of 700,000 units for fiscal 2014, ramping up to 6,000,000 units in fiscal 2017. Sales will focus on buyers in the automotive and industrial equipment markets throughout the world.

Since 2006, OKI Sensor Device has produced reed switches with maximum carry current of 2.5 A for controlling LED stop lamps in compact passenger vehicles. Mid-sized and larger automobiles are generally equipped with mechanical switches capable of handling large control currents. However, mechanical switches present various drawbacks, including short service life and contact failures due to dust adhesion. The ORD872 developed by OKI Sensor Device is the world's first reed switch designed for use in mid-sized and larger automobiles. Sealed in a glass tube, the ORD872 features long service life and is capable of withstanding harsh service environments while providing high current switching capabilities equivalent to mechanical switches.

The ORD872 incorporates a new cobalt alloy wire to achieve a maximum carry current of 5 A and a maximum switching current of 2 A, both industry-first achievements. It features a glass tube measuring 2.8 mm in diameter and 16.5 mm in length. The ORD872 can handle twice the current of conventional products of the equivalent glass tube length from other companies. Coupled with a projected service life of one million switching operations-equal to the service life of conventional products-the ORD872 sets new standards for reliability and performance.

Says Yuki Ushida, president of OKI Sensor Device: " We are excited to announce our pioneering new high current reed switch. We are re-defining standards for reliability and performance of reed switches by introducing a new device that is suitable for an impressive range of applications. The newly developed ORD872 reed switch is ideal for use including industrial devices that incorporate mercury reed relays and high-capacity position sensors. As an alternative to mercury reed relays, the ORD872 also helps reduce environmental burdens."

LEDs consume less power and generate lower environmental impact than conventional incandescent lamps. Use of LEDs in automobile stop lamps and interior lamps has grown in recent years, spurring growing use of long-lived, environmentally-resistant reed switches for LED control. Demand for reed switches for LED control in automobiles is expected to continue growing in the years to come.

The new "ORD872" will be exhibited at electronicAsia 2013 to be held in Hong Kong between October 13 and 1.6.