I am currently using a group of mil-max machined sockets (ED1039-ND) soldered to a circuit board as sockets for a large number of high voltage reed relays (DAT71210 / 725-1030-ND). I have not been able to find a socket for these relays ( I would love to find one with some sort of guides or relay retention feature), so I am using the machined sockets.
The machined sockets work great electrically, but are really frustrating to work with when populating the board, or more annoyingly, replacing relays when they near end of cycle life; it is very hard to line the pins up with the machined pin sockets.
Are there sockets for these relays that I have overlooked, or are there machined sockets with more of a ‘funnel’ to aid in guiding the pins into the hole?
While it would be nice to retain the current PCB, I would gladly resize all of the holes to have a better time building or maintaining my device. Any thoughts?
regards,
Luc
Hello @lmorton,
Devices such as the DAT71210 were designed for direct solder to the PCB.
We can search for closely related components using this tool as found on the product page:
When I select those parameters, this list emerges.
As an example, would this work for your application. Are the turrets better than the machined pins? There is also a model with flying leads and spade terminals. IMO this is problematic from a manufacturing perspective but ideal from a future replacement perspective.
Best wishes,
APDahlen
Unfortunately, despite the devices being designed for direct solder, I will need to replace relays as they wear. My system will cycle often enough that I can reach 75% of device cycle life within 2 years on some of the devices. Since only a few devices will reach end of life at a time, I want to be able to change them out easily without removing boards and reworking them.
I guess my best hope is a solder in socket with more of a funnel, or a 3D printed or machined plastic guide. A more forgiving socket would be preferable to making mechanical structures to guide the pins though.
Luc
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Understood, Luc.
On a related note, have you seen this video for desoldering large components?
The technique looks like magic.
Sincerely,
Aaron
@lmorton
Would you be able to take a different kind of relay and also a different footprint?
If so the 302-1466-ND is an option I had found.
ESR10-NC2A4HB-00-D1-17A E-T-A | Relays | DigiKey
Socket for that relay.
VCFM-1000-ND
VCFM-1000 TE Connectivity Potter & Brumfield Relays | Relays | DigiKey
I am sorry to say that I did not see a solid state relay that can handle the 7000v load spec.
Would the relays be seeing voltages that high during operation?
Yes, the relays will see approx 4kV during operation. My control scheme keeps them from switching while voltage is present unless there is an emergency stop, in which case life safety comes before machine safety. ( should give me very high life span, but could also reduce the life span slightly due to lack of ‘cleaning’ from switching voltage. Not sure yet, time will tell.)
The relays are being used for isolating and connecting system components during a test sequence, so they need the high voltage resistance. The Sensata series relays are the smallest that I have found that are suitable for the application. I have 20 of them on each board, so it is important to be able to change the ones that have high cycle count. I do test them for proper operation during every test cycle, but I would prefer to replace them before failure.
I have a project to build several more testers, so am trying to sort out as many of the minor nuisances as I can on the revision 2 devices.
Luc
Good trick. I have done similar, but if I can avoid rework that is always good.
-Luc
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It may require using a different relay, but have you taken a look at our selection of relay sockets?
Relay Sockets | Electronic Components Distributor DigiKey
Depending on the acceptable BOM cost, I’d consider these options:
Separate PCB with connectors to the main PCB for:
- just one relay making it an easily pluggable component and individually field replaceable
- to hold all the relays, cheaper but must replace all relays at the same time
Possible. It could work, but I am going down the path of buying a bunch of different machine pin sockets ( solder in, press fit, several sizes) as there are a few that have at least a small cone to guide the pins in. The one I am currently using not only does not have a guide cone, but sometimes has a bit of a ‘burr’ around the circumference of the contacts that can block the pin from sliding in easily.
If I don’t make good headway with this path, I might make a daughter board with larger, beefier pins that could plug into a socket more easily. Thanks for the suggestion.
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