Reed Switch or Hall Switch – How to Decide?

Often, technical designers in consumer and automotive industries find themselves with the question, reed switch or a hall switch – which one is better? This does not have a simple, straightforward answer. Here, it must be remembered that the one size fits all approach does not work. Every consumer appliance and automotive application has its unique set of switch requirements that drives the choice between a reed switch and a hall switch. And it is as per the application’s needs that the correct switch must be chosen for the success of the project.

To help you with this conundrum and to help you make an informed choice between a hall switch and a reed switch, we have high-lighted the properties of a reed switch and a hall switch. So, here is a blog with the features of hall switches and reed switches at a glance.

Our Take on Reed Switches

Also termed a dry switch, a reed switch comprises contacts on flexible, ferromagnetic reeds enclosed in a hermetically sealed glass container. The detection of a magnetic field, based on the configuration of the switch, may result in the opening and closing of the contacts. Additionally, they are responsive toward conditions that include severe shocks, vibrations, etc., that can alter the magnetic sensitivity of the reed or break the glass case.

The magnetic field in reed switches is generated by a permanent magnet. However, a current that carries a coil of wire can also be used. These switches do not require anything apart from the magnetic field to foster the switching action. Besides, these switches are not sensitive to the magnetic field’s polarity. 

Additionally, you can customize the sensitivity range of reed switches based on the application involved, and their magnetic sensitivity provides higher accuracy than their solid-state counterparts.

Some of The Advantages of Reed Switches Include:

• Functional with AC or DC voltage circuits
• Useful in explosive environments
• Remain unaffected by environmental factors
• High durability

Reed switches are suitable for applications that demand lower power. That is because reed switches are passive switches and do not require power to operate. Their applications include bicycle wheels, treadmills, explosive gases, chemicals, electronic devices with a clamshell design where they can serve as proximity sensors, etc. 

Another significant application advantage related to reed switches is that they can be used for hazardous operation, owing to the presence of hermetically sealed contacts.

Our Take On Hall Switches

On the other hand, Hall switches are semiconductor-based, and they undergo voltage changes as and when the magnetic field undergoes a change. Hall switches comprise circuitry and draw small current amounts continuously. They are suitable for low voltage and DC applications. Additionally, these switches may be configured as either digital or rotary and linear analog.

Some of The Benefits Of Hall Switches Include:

• High durability
• No moving components
• Solid-state
• Operational at high speeds

How to Decide What to Choose Between Reed Switches and Hall Switches?

In addition to the points discussed above, one of the critical things to remember to choose between reed switches and Hall Switches is that Reed switches are well-suited for low power operations, and Hall Effect switches are configurable with extra circuitry to take higher amounts of loads. Knowing these things can help you considerably in making the right choice. 

Millennium partners with some of the best suppliers of Reed switches that include Hamlin (Littelfuse) and Hall Switches Melexis, ROHM, UTC, Infineon to name a few. For more information, connect with Millennium Semiconductors at +91 9130015701 or write an email to info@millenniumsemi.com.