Remreed Switching Networks for No. 1 and No. 1A ESS: Development of a Remanent Reed Sealed Contact

Remreed Switching Networks for No. 1 and No. 1A ESS: Development of a Remanent Reed Sealed Contact By W. E. ARCHER, K. M. OLSEN, and P. W. RENAUT (Manuscript received N o v e m b e r 26, 1975) The development of the remreed sealed contact is described with emphasis on the various problems that had to be solved to get a viable manufactured product. The necessary characteristics of the switchable reed material and the unique features of the material processing and contact processing steps are discussed. Details are then presented of the selection of hard gold as a contact material and the problems encountered in its application by electroplating. The contact assembly operation is described, and the difficulties encountered at this stage are elaborated on. Finally, the physical design and testing of the contact are discussed, along icith the interactions among contact geometry material properties, processing steps, test parameters, and performance.