EL SEGUNDO, CA February 1998 - International Rectifier (IR) is introducing a specialized IGBT-output microelectronic relay, PVX6012, specifically designed as a solid-state replacement for Mercury-wetted reed relays. The PVX6012 eliminates the use of Mercury, which is a dangerous toxin requiring special handling and disposal techniques in order to protect the environment. The use of Mercury is already banned in electronic components in some European Countries and similar legislature is likely throughout the rest of the industrialized world.

The PVX6012 is targeted for industrial applications where Mercury-wetted reed relays are used to switch (turn on and off) higher-power loads, such as small motors, heaters, inductors, valves, etc. The benefits of the PVX6012 over Mercury-wetted reed relays include: capability of switching medium- to high-power loads with no contact bounce; stable and long operational life; maximum load power of 280 W (AC), 400 W (DC); input sensitivity of 5 mA; and mounting in any position.

The PVX6012 is a single-pole, single-throw, normally-open (1 Form "A") relay using a pair of inverse-series-connected IGBTs to form the output switch. Parallel to each of the two IGBTs is a FRED (Fast Recovery Epitaxial Diode) allowing low-voltage-drop conduction in the reverse polarity.

The PVX6012 features 3,750 VACRMS input-to-output isolation that not only meets US and Canadian electrical safety standards, but also those of the rest of the world. The PVX6012 costs approximately 10% below that of typical Mercury-wetted reed relays.

Data sheets are available in pdf file format for the PVX6012 microelectronic relay, and via Fax-On-Demand system under document number 10046 (310-252-7100 in the US, 44-1883-733420 in Europe and the UK) and ProCenter (1-310-252-7105). Samples of the product are available now.