Solid State Relay Primer - Revision history

Mparadis at 17:00, 7 June 2017

2017-06-07T17:00:47Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:00, 7 June 2017
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	If you need to switch more than 9 Amps, you need a serious [[#DC SSRs\|DC SSR]].		If you need to switch more than 9 Amps, you need a serious [[#DC SSRs\|DC SSR]].

	If you need to switch up to 16 small loads of 2 Amps or less, you can use the open collector (externally powered) digital outputs on a [{{SERVER}}/products.php?product_id=~~10121012~~ PhidgetInterfaceKit 0/16/16], which can be wired to behave similarly to relays.		If you need to switch up to 16 small loads of 2 Amps or less, you can use the open collector (externally powered) digital outputs on a [{{SERVER}}/products.php?product_id=1012 1012 PhidgetInterfaceKit 0/16/16], which can be wired to behave similarly to relays.

	==I need Gradual Dimming==		==I need Gradual Dimming==

Mparadis: /* Using heatsinks with Hockey Puck SSRs */

2015-03-05T16:54:16Z

Using heatsinks with Hockey Puck SSRs

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:54, 5 March 2015
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	[[Image:3950_0 Accessories Web.jpg\|thumb\|link=\|A "hockey puck" SSR with plastic cover (left), a thermal pad (right). All hockey puck SSRs sold at Phidgets come with both of these accessories plus a diode or varistor to protect the SSR.]]		[[Image:3950_0 Accessories Web.jpg\|thumb\|link=\|A "hockey puck" SSR with plastic cover (left), a thermal pad (right). All hockey puck SSRs sold at Phidgets come with both of these accessories plus a diode or varistor to protect the SSR.]]
	[[Image:3955_0 Functional Web.jpg\|thumb\|link=\|A "hockey puck" SSR mounted on a ~~[http://www.phidgets.com/products.php?product_id=3955 3955 - Small Heatsink for SSR]~~ 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 Primer\|thermocouple]] can be used to precisely measure the temperature of the metal base.
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	Each SSR suitable for use with heatsinks will include a specification of how much current it can switch with each heatsink we sell. This specification assumes a reasonable airflow over the heatsink, and that the flowing air is at room temperature. Our SSRs have a sheet of metal underneath, where the heat is concentrated - this is also where the heat is measured to tell if the SSR is too hot. Phidgets includes a thermal pad with our Hockey Puck SSRs (see pictured). You place this pad under an SSR when mounting it on a heatsink, or on large metal surfaces that can dissipate heat. The pad performs the same function as thermal grease - it helps conduct heat between the base of the SSR and the heatsink. If you prefer to use thermal grease, you can use it instead of the pad. Our heatsinks include screws for mounting SSRs. Use a good size screwdriver when tightening the SSR down on the heatsink to ensure good conduction.		Each SSR suitable for use with heatsinks will include a specification of how much current it can switch with each heatsink we sell. This specification assumes a reasonable airflow over the heatsink, and that the flowing air is at room temperature. Our SSRs have a sheet of metal underneath, where the heat is concentrated - this is also where the heat is measured to tell if the SSR is too hot. Phidgets includes a thermal pad with our Hockey Puck SSRs (see pictured). You place this pad under an SSR when mounting it on a heatsink, or on large metal surfaces that can dissipate heat. The pad performs the same function as thermal grease - it helps conduct heat between the base of the SSR and the heatsink. If you prefer to use thermal grease, you can use it instead of the pad. Our heatsinks include screws for mounting SSRs. Use a good size screwdriver when tightening the SSR down on the heatsink to ensure good conduction.

			You can see our selection of heatsinks in the [http://www.phidgets.com/products.php?category=9 relays] category of our store.

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Mparadis: /* Using heatsinks with Hockey Puck SSRs */

2015-03-05T16:52:23Z

Using heatsinks with Hockey Puck SSRs

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:52, 5 March 2015
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	Each SSR suitable for use with heatsinks will include a specification of how much current it can switch with each heatsink we sell. This specification assumes a reasonable airflow over the heatsink, and that the flowing air is at room temperature. Our SSRs have a sheet of metal underneath, where the heat is concentrated - this is also where the heat is measured to tell if the SSR is too hot. Phidgets includes a thermal pad with our Hockey Puck SSRs (see pictured). You place this pad under an SSR when mounting it on a heatsink, or on large metal surfaces that can dissipate heat. The pad performs the same function as thermal grease - it helps conduct heat between the base of the SSR and the heatsink. If you prefer to use thermal grease, you can use it instead of the pad. Our heatsinks include screws for mounting SSRs. Use a good size screwdriver when tightening the SSR down on the heatsink to ensure good conduction.		Each SSR suitable for use with heatsinks will include a specification of how much current it can switch with each heatsink we sell. This specification assumes a reasonable airflow over the heatsink, and that the flowing air is at room temperature. Our SSRs have a sheet of metal underneath, where the heat is concentrated - this is also where the heat is measured to tell if the SSR is too hot. Phidgets includes a thermal pad with our Hockey Puck SSRs (see pictured). You place this pad under an SSR when mounting it on a heatsink, or on large metal surfaces that can dissipate heat. The pad performs the same function as thermal grease - it helps conduct heat between the base of the SSR and the heatsink. If you prefer to use thermal grease, you can use it instead of the pad. Our heatsinks include screws for mounting SSRs. Use a good size screwdriver when tightening the SSR down on the heatsink to ensure good conduction.

	~~{\|border=1~~
	~~! Phidgets Product #~~
	~~! Product Name~~
	~~! Manufacturer Part #~~
	~~! Dimensions (mm)~~
	~~! Thermal Resistance (C/W)~~
	\|-
	~~\| 3955_0 \|\| Small Heatsink for SSR \|\| HF92B-80 \|\| 50x50x80 \|\| 2.4~~
	\|-
	~~\| 3956_0 \|\| Large Heatsink for SSR \|\| HF92B-150A \|\| 55x142x150 \|\| 0.6~~
	\|-
	\|}

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Mparadis: /* Picking your AC/DC SSR */

2014-04-21T17:08:39Z

Picking your AC/DC SSR

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 * Maximum Surge Current are greater than or equal to your surge current, and
 * Maximum Average Current is greater than or equal to your Average current.
 If you are interested in minimum cost, you will likely choose the cheapest option that meets these criteria.  If you are interested in high efficiency operation and less heat generation, consider buying an SSR with higher current rating.

Mparadis: /* Choosing your DC SSR */

2014-04-21T17:08:31Z

Choosing your DC SSR

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 * Maximum Surge Current are greater than or equal to your surge current, and
 * Maximum Average Current is greater than or equal to your Average current.
 Now compare the '''Max. Load Current without Heatsink''' value for the SSRs on your list to your Average Load Current.  If your Average Load Current is greater, you may need a heatsink.  For selecting a heatsink, please consult [[#Picking a Heatsink|Picking a Heatsink]]. Alternatively, look at other SSRs on your list - there may be an SSR that can handle your average load current without a heatsink. SSRs rated for a larger load than the load you're using will be more efficient (meaning less energy lost in the form of heat) than an SSR that's being operated at its maximum load.

Mparadis: /* Choosing your AC SSR */

2014-04-21T17:08:11Z

Choosing your AC SSR

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 * '''Load type''' matches what you chose for random turn on/zero crossing.
-{|border=1
+Now compare the '''Max. Load Current without Heatsink''' value for the SSRs on your list to your Average Load Current.  If your Average Load Current is greater, you may need a heatsink.  For selecting a heatsink, please consult [[#Picking a heatsink|Picking a Heatsink]]. Alternatively, look at other SSRs on your list - there may be an SSR that can handle your average load current with no heatsink
 At this point, you know the SSR you need.

Mparadis: /* Using heatsinks with Hockey Puck SSRs */

2014-02-27T20:49:38Z

Using heatsinks with Hockey Puck SSRs

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:49, 27 February 2014
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	Before buying a heatsink, consider if you actually need it. If your application is running at room temperature, and your average current is less than the '''Max. Load Current without Heatsink''' specification of your SSR, then you don't need a heatsink. Alternatively, if your project has a large metal chassis that the SSR can bolt to, this can be used as your heatsink.		Before buying a heatsink, consider if you actually need it. If your application is running at room temperature, and your average current is less than the '''Max. Load Current without Heatsink''' specification of your SSR, then you don't need a heatsink. Alternatively, if your project has a large metal chassis that the SSR can bolt to, this can be used as your heatsink.

	Each SSR suitable for use with heatsinks will include a specification of how much current it can switch with each heatsink we sell. This specification assumes a reasonable airflow over the heatsink, and that the flowing air is at room temperature. Our SSRs have a sheet of metal underneath, where the heat is concentrated - this is also where the heat is measured to tell if the SSR is too hot. Phidgets includes a ~~grey~~ thermal pad with our Hockey Puck SSRs (see pictured). You place this pad under an SSR when mounting it on a heatsink, or on large metal surfaces that can dissipate heat. The pad performs the same function as thermal grease - it helps conduct heat between the base of the SSR and the heatsink. If you prefer to use thermal grease, you can use it instead of the pad. Our heatsinks include screws for mounting SSRs. Use a good size screwdriver when tightening the SSR down on the heatsink to ensure good conduction.		Each SSR suitable for use with heatsinks will include a specification of how much current it can switch with each heatsink we sell. This specification assumes a reasonable airflow over the heatsink, and that the flowing air is at room temperature. Our SSRs have a sheet of metal underneath, where the heat is concentrated - this is also where the heat is measured to tell if the SSR is too hot. Phidgets includes a thermal pad with our Hockey Puck SSRs (see pictured). You place this pad under an SSR when mounting it on a heatsink, or on large metal surfaces that can dissipate heat. The pad performs the same function as thermal grease - it helps conduct heat between the base of the SSR and the heatsink. If you prefer to use thermal grease, you can use it instead of the pad. Our heatsinks include screws for mounting SSRs. Use a good size screwdriver when tightening the SSR down on the heatsink to ensure good conduction.

	{\|border=1		{\|border=1

Mparadis: /* Basic Use */

2013-01-31T17:52:36Z

Basic Use

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:52, 31 January 2013
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	===Basic Use===		===Basic Use===

	Controlling an SSR is no more complicated than turning an LED on and off. Switch it on, switch it off, it is that easy (see the [[Digital Output Primer\|Digital Output Primer]], or our [{{SERVER}}/products.php?product_id=~~1031~~ specific LED controller] for more).		Controlling an SSR is no more complicated than turning an LED on and off. Switch it on, switch it off, it is that easy (see the [[Digital Output Primer\|Digital Output Primer]], or our [{{SERVER}}/products.php?product_id=1032 specific LED controller] for more).

	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 Primer\|mechanical relay]] or simple switch.

Mparadis: /* DC SSR Protection */

2013-01-23T21:18:04Z

DC SSR Protection

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:18, 23 January 2013
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	The diode protects the SSR from powerful residual currents after the SSR is turned off. While your load is being driven, inductance builds up magnetic fields around the wiring.		The diode protects the SSR from powerful residual currents after the SSR is turned off. While your load is being driven, inductance builds up magnetic fields around the wiring.
	Every load is inductive to some degree, and when the SSR turns off, the magnetic fields will ram current against the now open SSR, easily damaging it. The diode allows these currents to recirculate in the load until they have lost their energy.		Every load is inductive to some degree, and when the SSR turns off, the magnetic fields will ram current against the now open SSR, easily damaging it. The diode allows these currents to recirculate in the load until they have lost their energy.

			For reference, the part number of the diode that comes with our DC SSRs is '''10A02-T'''.

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Mparadis: /* AC SSR Protection */

2013-01-23T21:17:17Z

AC SSR Protection

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:17, 23 January 2013
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	As MOVs wear out from use, they will become more sensitive to common voltage spikes, causing them to wear out quicker. When they entirely fail, they will become a short circuit, potentially creating a fire hazard. The MOV included with your SSR has a fuse built in which will disable the MOV when it becomes a hazard. To be on the safe side, avoid mounting your SSR near any flammable material.		As MOVs wear out from use, they will become more sensitive to common voltage spikes, causing them to wear out quicker. When they entirely fail, they will become a short circuit, potentially creating a fire hazard. The MOV included with your SSR has a fuse built in which will disable the MOV when it becomes a hazard. To be on the safe side, avoid mounting your SSR near any flammable material.

			For reference, the part number of the MOV shipped with our AC SSRs is '''TMOV20RP200E'''.

	===Proportional Control SSR===		===Proportional Control SSR===