Relays and contactors use a variety of technologies to switch signals and power connections. Many devices called relays use similar techniques and topologies, but the terminology can be confusing.

This chapter covers representative general-purpose relays used in the control circuits of most industrial, commercial, and consumer products. Relay names and terminology are in accordance with ...

Protective relays and monitoring relays detect or monitor for abnormal power system conditions. Protective relays detect defective lines, defective apparatuses, or other power system conditions of an ...

Since the mid-1980s, semiconductor technology has promised to provide smart power products for solid-state relays that could carry high current and provide unique functions for customers. However, ...

Electromechanical relays are electrically operated switches used to isolate circuits or batteries, detect faults on transmission and distribution lines, and control a high powered circuit using a low ...

Here’s a MEMS relay with an integrated FET that can handle higher power levels, breaking away from the “low power” moniker associated with MEMS parts. Paul Rako takes a closer look at what makes this ...

Imagine a component that combines the heavy-duty muscle of a power relay with the surgical precision of a digital signal. That is the essence of a pulse width modulation (PWM) relay. While traditional ...

Microchip Technology has released the BR235 and BR235D series of 25A QPL hermetically sealed electromechanical power relays. Meeting the requirements of MIL-PRF-83536 specification and ISO-9001 ...

Omron has designed a relay that can interrupt 200A at 500V, aiming to displace contactors from dc electric vehicle chargers, batteries and solar inverters. “A proprietary gas-less design cools arcs ...

Sometimes, the most unexpected detours lead to the most interesting discoveries. After a brief break, I found myself revisiting latching relays—not just as components, but as puzzles waiting to be ...

Vulnerabilities in networked devices programmed to instantaneously trip power grid substation circuit breakers could be the means hackers use to cause the next blackout, warn researchers. See Also: ...