What is the expected lifetime of the relays used in the Keysight 34970A plug-in modules?

The Keysight 34970A has a Relay Maintenance System which automatically counts the cycles on each relay in the instrument and stores the total count in non-volatile memory on each switch module. Relays are electromechanical devices, which are subject to wear-out failure modes.

• Switching typical signal levels will result in relay lifetimes from 1,000,000 to 10,000,000 operations.
• High-power switching (greater than 25% rating) or high-voltage switching (over 100V) applications will yield relay lifetimes from 100,000 to 1,000,000 operations.
• Low-voltage switching (below 30V) and low-current switching (less than 10 mA) applications will yield relay lifetimes to 100,000,000 operations.
• RF switching applications seldom exhibit relay lifetimes exceeding 1,000,000 operations due to more stringent contact resistance requirements (typically less than 0.2 ohms).

Refer to the Related Links Section below for more information on maximizing the life span of your relays.