Electromechanical Relays

Mechatronics ECE 5320

Assignment #1
Paul Smart
Outline
Why Electromechanical Relays?
Common Applications of Electromechanical
Relays
The Principle Behind Electromechanical Relays
Whats Inside an Electromechanical Relay
Typical Sample Application
Electromechanical Relay Advantages and
Limitations
Important Specifications of Electromechanical
Relays
Conclusion
Reference List
http://www.rowand.net/Shop/Tech/AllAboutRelays.htm

http://relays.tycoelectronics.com/schrack/pdf/C0_v4bg_2.pdf

http://www.cutler-hammer.eaton.com/unsecure/html/101basics/Module18/Output/ElectromechanicalRelays.html

http://www.msdignition.com/pdf/8961_8960_msd_relays.pdf

http://zone.ni.com/devzone/conceptd.nsf/webmain/7C83114818EAA85786256DD400569EB7?opendocument

http://www.ibiblio.org/obp/electricCircuits/Digital/DIGI_5.html





Links To Explore Further
http://www.allegromicro.com/techpub2/phoenix/relay5.htm - Solid State
Relays
http://www.ssousa.com/appnote040.asp - Electromechanical Relays vs.
Solid State Relays

Why Electromechanical Relays?
Separation of AC and DC circuits

Interface between electronic control
circuits and power circuits

Common Applications of
Electromechanical Relays
Solenoid Activation Control

Many Automotive Applications (Electric
Fuel Pump)

Motor Control
The Principle Behind Electromechanical
Relays
A relay is similar to a switch, it is either open or closed.
When the switch is open no current passes through the
relay, the circuit is open, and the load that is connected
to the relay receives no power. When a relay is closed,
the circuit is completed and current passes through the
relay and delivers power to the load.

To open and close a relay an electromagnet is used.
When the coil controlling the electromagnet is given a
voltage, the electromagnet causes the contacts in the
relay to connect and transfer current through the relay.
Electromechanical Relays: Whats Inside
This diagram shows the
basic parts of an
electromechanical relay: a
spring, moveable armature,
electromagnet, moveable
contact, and stationary
contact. The spring keeps
the two contacts separated
until the electromagnet is
energized, pulling the two
contacts together.
Moveable Armature
Moveable Contact
Electromagnet Spring
Stationary Contact
Wiring Up an Electromechanical Relay
Spring
To Control Circuit
Moveable Armature
Moveable Contact
Load
Power Supply
Electromagnet
This diagram shows how to wire
an electromechanical relay.
When the control circuit turns the
electromagnet on, the moveable
armature is drawn towards the
electromagnet and connects the
moveable contact and the
stationary contact. This
completes the circuit and delivers
power to the load.
Stationary Contact
Typical Sample Application
Suppose, there is a need to control a solenoid valve for a water drain
application. Control is to be accomplished with a microcontroller. The
solenoid valve requires 120 VAC to open. Assuming that a 120 VAC power
supply is available, how can control of the solenoid valve be accomplished
using a microcontroller that can only supply 5 VDC?

This problem is easily solved using a relay. There are many relays that are
turned on and off with a 5 VDC coil. The relay provides the interface
between the microcontroller and the 120 VAC power supply that is needed
to open and close the valve.
Typical Sample Application
120 VAC
Ground
To Microcontroller
Solenoid Valve
Relay
Coil
Circuit for Control of a 120 VAC Solenoid Valve
Electromechanical Relay Advantages
Contacts can switch AC or DC
Low initial cost
Very low contact voltage drop, thus no
heat sink is required
High resistance to voltage transients
No Off-State leakage current through open
contacts
Electromechanical Relay Limitations
The contacts wear and thus have limited
life depending on loads
Short contact life when used for rapid
switching applications or high loads
Poor performance when switching high
inrush currents
Package Size
Important Specifications of
Electromechanical Relays
Coil Voltage Voltage required for
switching

Contact Rating How much current the
relay can handle

Normally Open (NO) or Normally Closed
(NC)
Conclusion
Electromechanical relays are an excellent
solution to separate electronic control circuitry
and power circuitry. Electromechanical relays
are not the best choice in high frequency
switching applications and do have a limited life
due to wear on the contacts inside the relay.
When used in the a proper application, the
electromechanical relay provides safe and
reliable integration between power circuits and
control circuits.