PIL 40-140 Series Reed Relays SPST Board

The PIL 40-140 Series Reed Relays SPST Board is designed for automated test systems (ATE) that require a large number of uncommitted general-purpose relay nodes. Typical applications include:​​​​​​​

• Building a Small Switch Matrix: Create a flexible signal routing network
• I/O Port Switching: Switch between digital I/O, sensor signals, or control signals
• Driving Large Relays: Act as a front-end switch to control higher-power relays or contactors
• Controlling External Devices: Drive peripheral devices such as indicator lights, solenoids, and solenoid valves

All models in this series use high-reliability reed relays manufactured in-house by Pickering Electronics. These relays feature hermetically sealed packaging, ultra-low contact resistance, and an exceptionally long service life of up to 1 billion operations. All models provide external signal connectivity via a 200-pin female LFH connector on the front panel and are compatible with Pickering’s extensive ecosystem of connector accessories

MXTD Supplier

Xi'an Mingxi Taida Information Technology Co., Ltd. is a premier technology enterprise built on over 12 years of deep industry expertise. We seamlessly integrate cutting-edge product research and development with global sales and comprehensive customer service. Driven by more than a decade of proven success in manufacturing, R&D, and commercial operations, we deliver high-performance solutions tailored to our clients' precise needs.

Our robust international footprint spans across major global markets, including North America, South America, Europe, and Africa. To ensure versatile support for our clients, we complement our proprietary innovations by providing strategic distribution services for top-tier international brands. Backed by uncompromising quality control protocols and rigorous inspection standards, we guarantee that every partner who selects our products can deploy them with absolute confidence and achieve optimal operational efficiency.

The Key Characteristics

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Product Differentiation Advantages- PIL 40-140 Series Reed Relays SPST Board

• Compared to electromagnetic relay (EMR) modules, the reed relay version (40-140 series) operates 12 times faster (250 µs vs. 3 ms), has a service life more than 100 times longer (10⁹ vs. 10⁷), and offers more stable contact resistance; However, the EMR versions (40-145/146/148 Series) offer higher power handling (60 W vs. 20 W) and are more affordable.
• Comparison with shielded models in the same series: The standard models (40-140A/140B) are suitable for general-purpose applications; the shielded models (40-142) are suitable for high-frequency applications requiring improved bandwidth and crosstalk performance.

Pin-Compatible Alternatives (Electromagnetic Relay Version)

To address the differences in application scenarios between reed relays and electromagnetic relays, PI Company has simultaneously introduced an electromagnetic relay version that is 100% pin-compatible with the 40–140 A models (except for the shielded type)

This pin-compatible design allows users to flexibly choose between reed switch and solenoid relay solutions within the same test system based on their actual needs, without having to change the wiring or connectors.

Functions- PIL 40-140 Series Reed Relays SPST Board

Switch

Signal Path Architecture

Taking the 40-140B-021 (50 x SPST) as an example:

• Default state: All 50 signal paths are open (C↔A open circuit)
• Activate relay N: Establishes a signal path from CN to AN
• Number of channels: 50 (021) / 75 (121) / 100 (221)

Diagnostic and Maintenance

Software Control Features

Differences in Key Metrics Among Similar EMR Modules

Each PIL 40-140 Series module contains the following core components:

Software User Manual

Pickering offers a three-tier driver architecture for the PIL 40-140 Series Reed Relays SPST Board, supporting mainstream operating systems and programming languages

Supported Operating Systems

Bespoke Innovation: Comprehensive OEM/ODM Customization Services

We recognize that standardized, off-the-shelf solutions often fall short of meeting unique technical demands. To address this, our seasoned engineering team delivers end-to-end OEM and ODM customization services tailored to your exact specifications. Whether your project demands modified frequency ranges, specialized triggering mechanisms, or custom structural enclosure components, we collaborate transparently with you to engineer the perfect solution. Our agile design philosophy ensures that your distinct application requirements are fully realized without ever compromising our rigorous quality benchmarks.

The Pickering 40-140 product range has evolved through three generations, resulting in a clear product lineage

• First Generation: 40-140/141/142/143 (Original Version)

  The first high-density reed relay PXI modules to be released. Available only for the PXI platform. User Manual Version: Issue 7.2, June 2012. Warranty Period: 2 years (later extended to 3 years). Diagnostic tool: PI-MXT self-test tool. Driver support: Windows XP/Vista/7. Currently being phased out and replaced by the 40-140B series. 

• Second Generation: 40-140A/141/142/143 (A Version)

Enhanced upgrade from the original version. Also available exclusively on the PXI platform. User Manual Version: Issue 7.2, June 2012. Added support for the eBIRST diagnostic tool. Driver expansion: Added VISA/IVI standard drivers. The official website notes: 'Alternative product available; please refer to the 40/42-140B series'. Status: Phased out; the 40-140B is recommended for new designs.

• 40/42-140B (Current Flagship Model)

Supports both PXI and PXIe platforms. New support for Linux and real-time system drivers. Full series supports the eBIRST diagnostic tool. 3-year standard warranty. Status: Currently available; officially recommended replacement for the 40-140A.

FAQs:

Q: How to choose between the 40-140 series (reed relay) and the 40-145 series (electromagnetic relay)?

A:  

• 40-140 (Reed Relay, Ruthenium Contact): Extremely fast operating speed (typical 250 µs); extremely long lifespan (up to 1 billion cycles); ideal for low-level signal switching, with extremely stable contact resistance.
• ​​​​​​​40-145 (Electromagnetic Relay, EMR): Slower operating speed (approximately 3 ms); relatively shorter lifespan; but higher power handling capacity (up to 60W switching power, compared to 20W for the 40-140), and lower cost.

• For measuring low-voltage or low-level signals, or requiring frequent and rapid switching, choose the 40-140; for general signal switching with a limited budget, choose the 40-145.

Q: What is the maximum switching capability of the 40-140 board? Can it be used to switch power supplies or handle high current?

A: 

Not recommended for power switching. The 40-140 is a signal-grade switch card, with the following main electrical limitations:

Maximum switching voltage: 150 VDC / 100 VAC; Maximum switching current: 1 A; Maximum switching power: 20 W. If the power exceeds 20 W (e.g., 15V voltage, 1.5A current), the ruthenium contacts of the relay will arc and burn, causing permanent damage to the relay.

Q: Why are there errors when measuring minute voltages? How can we reduce the thermoelectric offset?

A: 

When a reed relay is closed, it generates a small thermoelectric potential (typically < 10µV) due to its material and temperature difference.

Avoid inserting cards near high-power heating circuit boards. When writing test software, allow a few milliseconds of waiting time after the relay closes to allow thermal equilibrium to stabilize before taking a reading with a precision multimeter (DMM). If the circuit is extremely sensitive to thermoelectric potential, use a dedicated low thermoelectric potential board from Pickering (such as the 40-100 series).

Q: Why does closing multiple relays simultaneously in the code sometimes result in errors or insufficient power supply?

A: The 5V/3.3V rails of the PXI chassis have a current supply limit for a single slot. Although the 40-140 series supports simultaneous closing of multiple channels, if the software logic errs and closes all 100 channels at the same instant, transient current may trigger the chassis protection. When writing programs, it is recommended to use the 'array control' function in the Pickering driver or add a small delay to avoid extreme large-scale simultaneous operations.​​​​​​​

Contact Us

Ready to integrate reliable SPST Module control into your system? Our team is here to help you select the right configuration and provide ongoing support.

Contact our technical specialists at manager03@mxtdinfo.com  / manager02@mxtdinfo.com for detailed specifications, pricing information, or to discuss your custom requirements. We're committed to delivering the perfect PIL 40-140 Series Reed Relays SPST Board solution for your application needs.