Portable Radio Communication Equipment Use Reed Relays

Introduction

Portable military radios typically operate between 3 MHz and 30 MHz. These frequencies are relatively low by today’s standards when compared to the telephone bands in the 1 GHz to 4 GHz range. However, even as low as 30 MHz the signals will ‘ride’ on the outside of their conductor (skin effect). When switching between transmit and receive, reed relays have become the design-in choice, because they are hermetically sealed and packaged in a rugged epoxy, making them a good choice for the outdoor environment. Standex Electronics uses copper plated reed switches to minimize skin effect.

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