
Reed relay
A Reed relay is an electronic switch that uses a small glass tube containing two or more metal reeds (or thin metal strips) separated by an insulating gap. When an electric current passes through a coil nearby, it creates a magnetic field that pulls the reeds together, completing an electrical circuit. When the current stops, the reeds separate, opening the circuit. Reed relays are valued for their fast switching, reliability, and ability to switch small signals without physical contact, making them ideal for precise control in applications like telecommunications, instrumentation, and automation systems.