Omron Introduces Smallest, High-Powered, PCB Relay for Automotive Applications

25 Percent Greater Continuous Carry Current Capability

NOVI, Mich., Oct. 19 -- Omron Automotive Electronics today announced it has introduced a high-powered, compact PCB relay for a wide range of automotive applications -- from radiator fan motors to headlamps.

The new relay, called G8PE, offers 40 Amps of continuous carry current capability, which is 25 percent more than traditional relays. It also provides 180 Amps of switching current capability. Over competing products, G8PE is lighter, 3 millimeters smaller, and provides up to 14 percent savings in relay mounting space.

"In addition to its compact size and ability to handle more power, our relay carries more current at the same temperature, has a lower self-heating, and is lead free for environmental benefit," said Jerry Bricker, Omron's vice president of sales and marketing.

Bricker added that the demand for this relay is expected to grow significantly as a result of the range of applications it can be used for, including ECU power source circuits and controller main switches for power window switches and power seat switches.

Omron manufactures the relays at its lida factory in Japan, known for its fully automated production lines that provide high quality, consistency and product reliability.

About Omron

Omron Automotive Electronics, headquartered in Novi, Michigan, USA, is a division of Omron Automotive Electronic Components Company, Nagoya, Japan. Omron Automotive designs and manufactures a wide range of advanced electronic control units and sensors, including lidar sensors, remote keyless entry systems and power window and sliding door anti-pinch controls. Other products include various ergonomic switch assemblies and PCB and plug-in relays. The division has 700 employees in North America with one manufacturing facility in the U.S. and two in Canada. Sales for the 2003 fiscal year were $185 million.

Omron Corporation was founded as a maker of relays for x-ray timers in 1933. In addition to automotive electronic components, the company's major markets include industrial automation, electronic and mechanical components for commercial and industrial uses, healthcare products, ATM machines, card readers and traffic control systems, plus new ventures into intelligent transportation systems, information technology, and wireless communications. The corporation has more than 23,000 employees in 35 countries globally. Fiscal year 2003 sales exceeded $5.5 billion.