Reed relays contain a reed switch, a coil for creating a magnetic field, an optional diode for handling back EMF from the coil, and an encapsulating package with connection terminals. In many ways, a ...

The reed relay was invented in 1936 by Bell Telephone Laboratories. Since that time, it has gradually evolved from very large, relatively crude parts to the small, ultra-reliable parts we have today.

Electronic relays have evolved a lot since their introduction in the early '30s, but their basic purpose hasn't changed. Transistors and integrated circuits have replaced vacuum tubes and the term ...