How does a solid state relay work?

In: Computer Memory, Electronics Engineering, Solid State Physics

A solid state relay (SSR) is an electronic device to switch the electrical current, rather than an electromechanical device.

An electromechanical relay uses a magnetic coil and mechanical contacts. When current flows through the coil, it pulls down a piece of iron called an armature, causing the mechanical contacts to touch and thus close an electrical circuit.

A solid state relay has no mechanical moving parts, but instead uses a three terminal device such as a triac (triode AC) or FET (field effect transistor) to conduct the electrical current, when the third terminal is energized as a control device.

Essentially the device controls a larger electrical current by accepting a small control signal. There are no moving parts.

Advantages of solid state relays are that they have no internal arcing or contacts to wears out, can last virtually forever, can very very tiny, can have extremely low hold currents and usually weigh less than similar electromechanical relays.

Advantages of electromechanical relays are higher voltages and currents switching, inexpensive, complex multipole configurations, and immunity to EMI.

First answer by Tigr. Last edit by Gcutter. Contributor trust: 63 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 117 [recommend question]

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