Solid State Relay Guide - Revision history

Lmpacent: /* I need Gradual Dimming */

2025-11-25T22:05:17Z

I need Gradual Dimming

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:05, 25 November 2025
Line 112:		Line 112:
	If you need to switch up to 4 small loads of 8 Amps or less, you can use the open collector (externally powered) digital outputs on a [{{SERVER}}/products.php?product_id=REL1100 REL1100 - 4x Isolated SSR Phidget], which can be wired to behave similarly to relays. If you need even more relays, have a look at the [{{SERVER}}/products.php?product_id=REL1101 REL1101 - 16x Isolated SSR Phidget].		If you need to switch up to 4 small loads of 8 Amps or less, you can use the open collector (externally powered) digital outputs on a [{{SERVER}}/products.php?product_id=REL1100 REL1100 - 4x Isolated SSR Phidget], which can be wired to behave similarly to relays. If you need even more relays, have a look at the [{{SERVER}}/products.php?product_id=REL1101 REL1101 - 16x Isolated SSR Phidget].

	==I ~~need~~ Gradual Dimming==		==I Need Gradual Dimming==
	Instead of simply turning the load on/off, if you want to dim it gradually, you can use a proportional control SSR. They are able to reduce the average power to the load gradually, in proportion to the strength of the input signal. For more information, you can visit the [[#Proportional Control SSR\|Proportional Control SSR Section]].		Instead of simply turning the load on/off, if you want to dim it gradually, you can use a proportional control SSR. They are able to reduce the average power to the load gradually, in proportion to the strength of the input signal. For more information, you can visit the [[#Proportional Control SSR\|Proportional Control SSR Section]].

Mparadis at 21:58, 18 November 2024

2024-11-18T21:58:04Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:58, 18 November 2024
Line 186:		Line 186:
	Proportional Control Relays (often simply called "Control Relays") are SSRs you can use to control the amount of power to the load. Rather than reduce the voltage, or somehow limit the current - which would be very expensive solutions, the Proportional SSR reduces power by turning the load on/off quickly, feeding full power in short pulses.		Proportional Control Relays (often simply called "Control Relays") are SSRs you can use to control the amount of power to the load. Rather than reduce the voltage, or somehow limit the current - which would be very expensive solutions, the Proportional SSR reduces power by turning the load on/off quickly, feeding full power in short pulses.

	Proportional SSRs are controlled by a variable voltage - as the control voltage increases, more power is available to the load. Our PhidgetAnalog product can be used to control Proportional SSRs, since an ~~[[Analog Output Guide\|~~analog output]] can output various amounts of voltage, as opposed to a digital output, which only has two states- high and low. We don't sell Proportional SSRs - but they can be purchased from [http://www.digikey.com Digikey], where they are called AC Linear Controlled SSRs.		Proportional SSRs are controlled by a variable voltage - as the control voltage increases, more power is available to the load. Our PhidgetAnalog product can be used to control Proportional SSRs, since an analog output can output various amounts of voltage, as opposed to a digital output, which only has two states- high and low. We don't sell Proportional SSRs - but they can be purchased from [http://www.digikey.com Digikey], where they are called AC Linear Controlled SSRs.

	A quick and dirty solution for dimming with Phidgets is to use an {{LinksNeeded\|RC Servo Motor\|[[Servo Motor and Controller Guide\|RC Servo Motor]]}} with a PhidgetAdvancedServo controller to rotate the knob on a light dimmer. From software, the RC Servo Motor is rotated to the desired position, cranking the knob as it turns. While this may seem like a roundabout way of achieving proportional control, dimmers tend to be much less expensive because they are less specialized and are manufactured in greater quantity.		A quick and dirty solution for dimming with Phidgets is to use an {{LinksNeeded\|RC Servo Motor\|[[Servo Motor and Controller Guide\|RC Servo Motor]]}} with a PhidgetAdvancedServo controller to rotate the knob on a light dimmer. From software, the RC Servo Motor is rotated to the desired position, cranking the knob as it turns. While this may seem like a roundabout way of achieving proportional control, dimmers tend to be much less expensive because they are less specialized and are manufactured in greater quantity.

Mparadis at 20:18, 13 July 2023

2023-07-13T20:18:42Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:18, 13 July 2023
Line 2:		Line 2:
	{{#seo:\|keywords=relay}}		{{#seo:\|keywords=relay}}
	[[Category:IntroGuide]]		[[Category:IntroGuide]]
	__TOC__
			<div class="toclimit-2">__TOC__</div>

	==Introduction==		==Introduction==

Lmpacent at 20:01, 26 June 2023

2023-06-26T20:01:49Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:01, 26 June 2023
Line 1:		Line 1:
	{{#seo:\|description=Interested in learning about solid state relays? This guide explains the basics: what solid state relays are, how solid state relays work, how to choose a solid state relay and more.}}		{{#seo:\|description=Interested in learning about solid state relays? This guide explains the basics: what solid state relays are, how solid state relays work, how to choose a solid state relay and more.}}
			{{#seo:\|keywords=relay}}
	[[Category:IntroGuide]]		[[Category:IntroGuide]]
	__TOC__		__TOC__

Mparadis: /* Introduction */

2023-06-15T21:15:47Z

Introduction

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:15, 15 June 2023
Line 7:		Line 7:

	Solid state relays (SSRs) turn on or off the power being supplied to other devices, in a similar fashion as a physical switch. However, instead of being switched by human interaction like a physical switch, SSRs are switched electronically.		Solid state relays (SSRs) turn on or off the power being supplied to other devices, in a similar fashion as a physical switch. However, instead of being switched by human interaction like a physical switch, SSRs are switched electronically.
	With SSRs, you can control high-current devices such as lights or appliances with low-current signals, like a standard DC signal from a digital output. Many SSRs will switch on with a voltage of 3V or higher. This makes them perfect for use with the [[InterfaceKit Digital Outputs\|Outputs on Phidget InterfaceKits]], or any other device with a digital output, such as the [{{SERVER}}/?~~tier=3&catid=2&pcid=1&~~prodid=714 OUT1100 - Digital Output Phidget]. Using the ports of a {{VINTHub}} in digital output mode may not work, since they may not provide enough power to activate the SSR. If your digital output is not powerful enough, you may want to connect an external MOSFET to switch a more suitable supply to control the SSR.		With SSRs, you can control high-current devices such as lights or appliances with low-current signals, like a standard DC signal from a digital output. Many SSRs will switch on with a voltage of 3V or higher. This makes them perfect for use with the [[InterfaceKit Digital Outputs\|Outputs on Phidget InterfaceKits]], or any other device with a digital output, such as the [{{SERVER}}/?prodid=714 OUT1100 - Digital Output Phidget]. Using the ports of a {{VINTHub}} in digital output mode may not work, since they may not provide enough power to activate the SSR. If your digital output is not powerful enough, you may want to connect an external MOSFET to switch a more suitable supply to control the SSR.

	SSRs perform the same job as [[Mechanical Relay Guide\|Mechanical Relays]], but have the following advantages:		SSRs perform the same job as [[Mechanical Relay Guide\|Mechanical Relays]], but have the following advantages:

Mparadis at 16:26, 1 June 2023

2023-06-01T16:26:27Z

Lmpacent at 17:15, 24 May 2023

2023-05-24T17:15:16Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:15, 24 May 2023
Line 1:		Line 1:
	~~<metadesc>Solid~~ state relays ~~switch~~ a ~~power or signal line digitally using transistors. They are silent~~ and ~~last longer than their mechanical counterparts~~.~~</metadesc>~~		{{#seo:\|description=Interested in learning about solid state relays? This guide explains the basics: what solid state relays are, how solid state relays work, how to choose a solid state relay and more.}}
	[[Category:IntroGuide]]		[[Category:IntroGuide]]
	__TOC__		__TOC__

Mparadis at 19:06, 16 May 2023

2023-05-16T19:06:22Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:06, 16 May 2023
Line 1:		Line 1:
	<metadesc>Solid state relays switch a power or signal line digitally using transistors. They are silent and last longer than their mechanical counterparts.</metadesc>		<metadesc>Solid state relays switch a power or signal line digitally using transistors. They are silent and last longer than their mechanical counterparts.</metadesc>
	[[Category: ~~Primer~~]]		[[Category:IntroGuide]]
	__TOC__		__TOC__

Mparadis: Mparadis moved page Solid State Relay Primer to Solid State Relay Guide

2023-05-16T17:10:27Z

Mparadis moved page Solid State Relay Primer to Solid State Relay Guide

← Older revision	Revision as of 17:10, 16 May 2023
(No difference)

Mparadis at 18:01, 22 October 2019

2019-10-22T18:01:52Z

@@ Line 288: / Line 288: @@
 When wiring your load to the SSR, the wire is looped clockwise around the terminal, so when the screw is tightened down, it will draw the wire in tighter.  We recommend using wires up to 10 AWG in size - any larger, and the screws will not have enough thread left to tighten down, and they will strip.  Larger wires can be attached using a wiring lug.  The lug is clamped under the SSR screw, and the wire attaches to the lug.
 Loose wire connections can generate a lot of heat - use a large enough screwdriver when clamping down the load wires to ensure that the screws are on tight enough.
 <br clear="all">

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:26, 1 June 2023
Line 9:		Line 9:
	With SSRs, you can control high-current devices such as lights or appliances with low-current signals, like a standard DC signal from a digital output. Many SSRs will switch on with a voltage of 3V or higher. This makes them perfect for use with the [[InterfaceKit Digital Outputs\|Outputs on Phidget InterfaceKits]], or any other device with a digital output, such as the [{{SERVER}}/?tier=3&catid=2&pcid=1&prodid=714 OUT1100 - Digital Output Phidget]. Using the ports of a {{VINTHub}} in digital output mode may not work, since they may not provide enough power to activate the SSR. If your digital output is not powerful enough, you may want to connect an external MOSFET to switch a more suitable supply to control the SSR.		With SSRs, you can control high-current devices such as lights or appliances with low-current signals, like a standard DC signal from a digital output. Many SSRs will switch on with a voltage of 3V or higher. This makes them perfect for use with the [[InterfaceKit Digital Outputs\|Outputs on Phidget InterfaceKits]], or any other device with a digital output, such as the [{{SERVER}}/?tier=3&catid=2&pcid=1&prodid=714 OUT1100 - Digital Output Phidget]. Using the ports of a {{VINTHub}} in digital output mode may not work, since they may not provide enough power to activate the SSR. If your digital output is not powerful enough, you may want to connect an external MOSFET to switch a more suitable supply to control the SSR.

	SSRs perform the same job as [[Mechanical Relay ~~Primer~~\|Mechanical Relays]], but have the following advantages:		SSRs perform the same job as [[Mechanical Relay Guide\|Mechanical Relays]], but have the following advantages:
	* SSRs produce less electromagnetic interference than mechanical relays during operation. This is mostly due to the absence of a phenomenon called [[Mechanical Relay ~~Primer~~#Arcing, Interference, and Sticking\|contact arcing]] only present in mechanical relays, where the physical contacts of the relay tend to spark internally while switching. The reduced interference can also be attributed to the fact that SSRs do not use electromagnets to switch.		* SSRs produce less electromagnetic interference than mechanical relays during operation. This is mostly due to the absence of a phenomenon called [[Mechanical Relay Guide#Arcing, Interference, and Sticking\|contact arcing]] only present in mechanical relays, where the physical contacts of the relay tend to spark internally while switching. The reduced interference can also be attributed to the fact that SSRs do not use electromagnets to switch.
	* The switch contacts of a mechanical relay will eventually wear down from arcing. An SSR will have a longer life because its internals are purely digital. Properly used, they will last for millions of cycles.		* The switch contacts of a mechanical relay will eventually wear down from arcing. An SSR will have a longer life because its internals are purely digital. Properly used, they will last for millions of cycles.
	* SSRs turn on and off faster than mechanical relays (≈1ms compared to ≈10ms).		* SSRs turn on and off faster than mechanical relays (≈1ms compared to ≈10ms).
	* SSRs are less susceptible to physical vibrations than mechanical relays.		* SSRs are less susceptible to physical vibrations than mechanical relays.
	* Since the switch inside an SSR isn't a mechanical switch, it does not suffer from [[~~Mechanical_Relay_Primer~~#Contact_Bounce\|contact bounce]] and operates silently.		* Since the switch inside an SSR isn't a mechanical switch, it does not suffer from [[Mechanical_Relay_Guide#Contact_Bounce\|contact bounce]] and operates silently.

	However, compared to Mechanical Relays, SSRs:		However, compared to Mechanical Relays, SSRs:
Line 31:		Line 31:
	Controlling an SSR is no more complicated than turning an LED on and off. Switch it on, switch it off, it's that easy.		Controlling an SSR is no more complicated than turning an LED on and off. Switch it on, switch it off, it's that easy.

	The ability of an SSR to switch a load is very similar to a [[Mechanical Relay ~~Primer~~\|mechanical relay]] or simple switch.		The ability of an SSR to switch a load is very similar to a [[Mechanical Relay Guide\|mechanical relay]] or simple switch.
	By turning the digital output controlling the relay on and off, you control whether or not the load is connected to its power supply.		By turning the digital output controlling the relay on and off, you control whether or not the load is connected to its power supply.

Line 184:		Line 184:
	Proportional Control Relays (often simply called "Control Relays") are SSRs you can use to control the amount of power to the load. Rather than reduce the voltage, or somehow limit the current - which would be very expensive solutions, the Proportional SSR reduces power by turning the load on/off quickly, feeding full power in short pulses.		Proportional Control Relays (often simply called "Control Relays") are SSRs you can use to control the amount of power to the load. Rather than reduce the voltage, or somehow limit the current - which would be very expensive solutions, the Proportional SSR reduces power by turning the load on/off quickly, feeding full power in short pulses.

	Proportional SSRs are controlled by a variable voltage - as the control voltage increases, more power is available to the load. Our PhidgetAnalog product can be used to control Proportional SSRs, since an [[Analog Output ~~Primer~~\|analog output]] can output various amounts of voltage, as opposed to a digital output, which only has two states- high and low. We don't sell Proportional SSRs - but they can be purchased from [http://www.digikey.com Digikey], where they are called AC Linear Controlled SSRs.		Proportional SSRs are controlled by a variable voltage - as the control voltage increases, more power is available to the load. Our PhidgetAnalog product can be used to control Proportional SSRs, since an [[Analog Output Guide\|analog output]] can output various amounts of voltage, as opposed to a digital output, which only has two states- high and low. We don't sell Proportional SSRs - but they can be purchased from [http://www.digikey.com Digikey], where they are called AC Linear Controlled SSRs.

	A quick and dirty solution for dimming with Phidgets is to use an {{LinksNeeded\|RC Servo Motor\|[[Servo Motor and Controller ~~Primer~~\|RC Servo Motor]]}} with a PhidgetAdvancedServo controller to rotate the knob on a light dimmer. From software, the RC Servo Motor is rotated to the desired position, cranking the knob as it turns. While this may seem like a roundabout way of achieving proportional control, dimmers tend to be much less expensive because they are less specialized and are manufactured in greater quantity.		A quick and dirty solution for dimming with Phidgets is to use an {{LinksNeeded\|RC Servo Motor\|[[Servo Motor and Controller Guide\|RC Servo Motor]]}} with a PhidgetAdvancedServo controller to rotate the knob on a light dimmer. From software, the RC Servo Motor is rotated to the desired position, cranking the knob as it turns. While this may seem like a roundabout way of achieving proportional control, dimmers tend to be much less expensive because they are less specialized and are manufactured in greater quantity.

	===Example circuits with AC SSRs===		===Example circuits with AC SSRs===
Line 271:		Line 271:
	[[Image:3955_0 Functional Web.jpg\|thumb\|link=\|A "hockey puck" SSR mounted on a small heatsink by two screws. The thermal pad is pressed between the SSR and the heatsink.]]		[[Image:3955_0 Functional Web.jpg\|thumb\|link=\|A "hockey puck" SSR mounted on a small heatsink by two screws. The thermal pad is pressed between the SSR and the heatsink.]]

	SSRs will only achieve their promise of reliability and long life if they are kept cool. Cool is relative, of course, but a good rule of thumb is to keep the metal base of the SSR at less than 85°C (185°F). A [[Thermocouple ~~Primer~~\|thermocouple]] can be used to precisely measure the temperature of the metal base.		SSRs will only achieve their promise of reliability and long life if they are kept cool. Cool is relative, of course, but a good rule of thumb is to keep the metal base of the SSR at less than 85°C (185°F). A [[Thermocouple Guide\|thermocouple]] can be used to precisely measure the temperature of the metal base.

	Excess heat usually comes from too much current and too little heatsinking. A lot of heat can also be generated by frequently turning the relay on and off. If your relay is operated for brief periods of time, you may not need as large of a heatsink - provided the relay is never accidentally left on for extended periods. Unless space is a concern, it's better to err on the side of caution.		Excess heat usually comes from too much current and too little heatsinking. A lot of heat can also be generated by frequently turning the relay on and off. If your relay is operated for brief periods of time, you may not need as large of a heatsink - provided the relay is never accidentally left on for extended periods. Unless space is a concern, it's better to err on the side of caution.