Time-coordinated nonarcing breaking operation of reed switches for higher current

At the 50th IEEE Holm conference, we proposed a method for suppressing arc ignition in mechanical contact devices using a transient current switch and a capacitor. We applied the method to conventional reed switches. For the electric circuit analysis, we clarified the momentary voltage-current characteristics at the reed switch breaking operation by FEM analysis. We were able to estimate the nonarc ignition breaking condition using SPICE simulation. It was experimentally confirmed with the capacitor of 9.4/spl mu/F for 24V/15A breaking operation.