Lesson plan

Solid-state relay

A solid-state relay (SSR) is an electronic switching device that switches on or off when an external voltage (AC or DC) is applied across its control terminals. They serve the same function as an electromechanical relay, but solid-state electronics contain no moving parts and have a longer operational lifetime. Solid state relays were invented in 1971 by the Crydom Controls division of International Rectifier. SSRs consist of a sensor which responds to an appropriate input (control signal), an electronic switching device which switches power to the load circuitry, and a coupling mechanism to enable the control signal to activate this switch without mechanical parts. They may be designed to switch either AC or DC loads. Packaged SSRs use power semiconductor devices such as thyristors and transistors, to switch currents up to around a hundred amperes. SSRs have fast switching speeds compared with electromechanical relays, and have no physical contacts to wear out. SSRs are unable to withstand a large momentary overload the way an electromechanical relay can, and have a higher "on" resistance. Modern SSRs increasingly integrate built-in diagnostics and protection features, such as overtemperature shutoff, load monitoring, and short-circuit detection.…

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Article summary

A solid-state relay (SSR) is an electronic switching device that switches on or off when an external voltage (AC or DC) is applied across its control terminals. They serve the same function as an electromechanical relay, but solid-state electronics contain no moving parts and have a longer operational lifetime. Solid state relays were invented in 1971 by the Crydom Controls division of International Rectifier. SSRs consist of a sensor which responds to an appropriate input (control signal), an electronic switching device which switches power to the load circuitry, and a coupling mechanism to enable the control signal to activate this switch without mechanical parts. They may be designed to switch either AC or DC loads. Packaged SSRs use power semiconductor devices such as thyristors and transistors, to switch currents up to around a hundred amperes. SSRs have fast switching speeds compared with electromechanical relays, and have no physical contacts to wear out. SSRs are unable to withstand a large momentary overload the way an electromechanical relay can, and have a higher "on" resistance. Modern SSRs increasingly integrate built-in diagnostics and protection features, such as overtemperature shutoff, load monitoring, and short-circuit detection.…

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