Hermetically Sealed Micro Switches for Mission-Critical Applications
When a circuit must switch reliably at -184°C, withstand 100 g shock loads, and operate flawlessly after total ionizing radiation exposure of 100 Krad — only a hermetically sealed micro switch can meet the specification.
Postek HK Series hermetically sealed micro switches are designed and qualified for the most demanding aerospace, mission-critical, and industrial environments where failure is not an option.
Applications
🛰️ high-altitude platform & orbital Systems
- Solar array deployment mechanisms
- Thruster valve position sensing
- Antenna positioning limit switches
- Pyrotechnic initiation circuits
Why HK Series: Space Grade (YHYB S1201/001-2013) and CAST Grade (CASTPS04/026-2018) qualification. Radiation hardness 100 Krad (Si) ensures reliable operation in LEO, MEO, and GEO environments.
✈️ flight systems & Flight Control
- Landing gear position detection
- Flight control surface feedback
- Cabin pressure & ECS control
- Engine nacelle temperature monitoring
Why HK Series: Welded metal shell construction provides EMI shielding essential for flight systems bays. 15 g sinusoidal vibration rating exceeds typical airframe requirements. GJB 809B-2013 compliance.
🛡️ mission-critical & Tactical Systems
- Arming/safing mechanisms
- Fin deployment limit detection
- Guidance system mode selection
- Environmental seal integrity monitoring
Why HK Series: Grade J/Z high-reliability industrial qualification. 100 g mechanical shock survivability. Operating from -184°C to +260°C — covers the full range from cryogenic fuel storage to propulsion system temperatures.
🔬 Cryogenic & Vacuum Systems
- Liquid oxygen / nitrogen valve control
- Cryo-pump limit switching
- Vacuum chamber interlock systems
- Superconducting magnet quench detection
Why HK Series: Hermetic seal leak rate ≤ 1×10⁻³ Pa·cm³/s maintains integrity under vacuum and thermal cycling. Specified for operation at -184°C — verified for liquid oxygen environments.
⚛️ Energy & extreme environments
- Reactor control rod position sensing
- Hot cell manipulator limit switches
- Spent fuel handling equipment
- Radiation therapy gantry positioning
Why HK Series: Total Ionizing Dose (TID) rating of 100 Krad (Si). All-welded hermetic seal prevents contamination ingress. No organic materials in the switching chamber that could degrade under radiation.
🚁 UAV & Drone Systems
- Payload release mechanisms
- Flight termination systems
- Parachute deployment triggers
- Battery disconnect switches
Why HK Series: Miniature form factor (envelope size 4). 0.5A low-current models available for micro-controller circuits. Vibration profile (10~2000 Hz) covers multi-rotor and fixed-wing drone spectrum.
Key Specifications for System Designers
| Requirement | HK Series Capability | Relevant Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Hermetic Seal | ≤ 1×10⁻³ Pa·cm³/s | GJB 809B-2013 |
| Temperature Range | -184°C to +260°C | GJB 360B-2009 |
| Vibration (Sine) | 10~2000 Hz, 15 g | GJB 360B-2009 Method 204 |
| Vibration (Random) | 0.04~1.0 g²/Hz ASD, 119.5 m/s² Grms | GJB 360B-2009 Method 214 |
| Mechanical Shock | 100 g, 6 ms | GJB 360B-2009 Method 213 |
| Radiation TID | 100 Krad (Si) | GJB 360B-2009 |
| Salt Spray | 96 hours | GJB 360B-2009 Method 101 |
| Damp Heat | 10 days | GJB 360B-2009 Method 103 |
| Low Pressure (Altitude) | Sea level to 7,000 ft* | GJB 360B-2009 Method 105 |
* Altitude rating per models C and A. Contact engineering for higher altitude requirements.
Quality & Certification
| Grade | Standard | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|
| Grade J / Z (high-reliability industrial) | Q/MA20347/Z-2019 | mission-critical, tactical systems |
| Space Grade | YHYB S1201/001-2013 | orbital, launch vehicle |
| CAST Grade | CASTPS04/026-2018 | high-altitude platform procurement |
| QPL | Q/MA30016-2019 | Standardized high-reliability industrial procurement |
| GB Standard | ZZR-Q/MA20433-2019 | General industrial |
Related Products
- HK-KWQM4-4Z — SPDT Changeover, 8 models, Solder Lug
- HK-KWQM5-2-28 — Extended temperature, Screw-Clamp terminal (coming soon)
- HK-KWQMY2-3AT-128-2 — Dual-switch assembly for redundant circuits (coming soon)
Engineering Support
Need help qualifying the HK Series for your specific application? Our engineering team can provide:
- Application-specific qualification data
- Custom actuator and termination options
- First-article inspection reports
- Certificate of Conformance (CoC)
📋 Request Quote | 📄 Download Datasheet