Solid-state relay

A solid-state relay (SSR) or solid-state contactor is an electronic switching device that uses an electronic switching element instead of an electromechanical contact to make or break the connection in the load circuit.


Benefits of solid-state relays

Our solid-state relays have several features that distinguish them from other switching devices:

benefits of solid state relay
  • They are built with higher levels of reliability and performance to control resistors, inductors or transformers.
  • They offer exceptional durability thanks to selected electronic components.
  • They have no internal resistance and can therefore switch at higher speeds without overheating.
  • Our solid-state relays fit into tight spaces where larger switches cannot be installed.
  • They can easily replace all your mechanical relays.
  • They tolerate high overcurrent loads and respond to repeated stresses and high temperatures.

Technical advantages of solid-state relays

  1. Easy to install
  2. Modular design
  3. Panel or DIN rail mounting
  4. Silent operation
  5. Precision and reliability
  6. Low electromagnetic emissions
  7. High switching frequency
  8. Long service life
technical advantages

What is a solid-state relay?

what is a solid state relay

SSRs (solid state relays) are designed to control high-power AC electrical loads with a low-voltage input signal.
These electronic components enable AC or DC electrical current to be switched without mechanical movement.

They are generally used in systems where PLCs or microcontrollers cannot provide the required power management capability.

This is a competitive product category to electromechanical relays and other switching methods.

There are two SSR relay technologies:

  • Hybrid solid-state relay :
    The hybrid solid-state relay uses an optocoupler alongside conventional thyristor technology to provide higher insulation and current ratings.
  • Optoelectronic solid-state relays :
    These relays use an opto coupler as the essential isolation element, and employ discrete power MOSFETs, IGBTs or thyristors for higher current ratings.

How is a solid-state relay designed?

what is the design of a solid state relay

The basic internal structure of an SSR consists of several main elements:

The input interface, used to optically isolate the output circuit from the input.

A control section acts as an optical isolator. It often consists of one or two light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for emission. For receiving, one or more photosensitive elements such as photodiodes or phototransistors are used. These elements close the circuit and allow current to flow to the load.

A power section with a switching element, usually a thyristor such as a TRIAC, SCR, GTO thyristor, but FETs and triacs are also used to switch loads.


How does a solid-state relay work?

how a solid-state relay works

Solid-state relay operation uses solid-state devices such as transistors, thyristors or MOSFETs instead of electromechanical devices like relays to switch high-power resistive or inductive loads.


How to control a solid-state relay?

SSRs are controlled by a small external voltage applied to their control terminals. This signal can be an AC or DC voltage. A low-power circuit can be used to switch the controls of AC or DC supplies to a high-power load.

A PXEtemperature controller or PXF PID controller drives the solid-state contactor in voltage and DC to regulate the temperature. The temperature controller is responsible for switching the SSR on and off in response to temperature changes. To control the SSR correctly, the temperature controller must be correctly selected. Otherwise, the SSR may not switch on or off at the correct temperature, which may damage sensitive equipment or present a safety hazard. In addition, the temperature controller must be able to handle the current required by the solid-state relay.

how to control a solid state relay en

When should a solid-state relay be used?

You can use this component to switch AC or DC loads from a low voltage or current. The solid-state relay, often considered the modern equivalent of the mechanical contactor, offers many advantages. It is particularly useful where protection against overvoltage is crucial. This device offers control without moving contacts, reducing the risk of wear and maintenance. Thanks to its contactless function, it is ideal for circuits requiring silent, spark-free switching.

Another key advantage is its ability to handle multi-phase loads, making it suitable for a wide range of industrial applications. The solid-state relay is easy to connect, usually with screws or wires, and can be fitted with a heatsink to manage heat dissipation. In special cases, where fast, precise control is required, solid-state relays offer reliable, consistent results. In terms of selection, there are many options available on our product page to meet your specific current and voltage requirements.

Finally, this type of solid-state contactor is frequently recommended in technical applications for its robustness and ability to provide optimum protection in a variety of control circuits.


What are the applications of solid-state relays?

what are the applications of solid-state relays?

Solid-state relays are widely used in industrial processes and machine automation. The main reasons for this are their ability to switch high voltages and currents, and their resistance to shock and vibration. This makes them ideal for environments where there's a lot of movement or harsh conditions.

These products can also be used in processes where precision is important, such as in medical equipment or data acquisition systems. In addition, they are often used in areas where space is limited. As a result, solid-state relays have a wide range of applications, including :

  • Electric heating control systems
  • Temperature control for electric ovens.
  • Power controllers for electric motors.
  • Temperature control for packaging machines
  • Industrial automation and energy management

What are the advantages ofsolid-state relays?

what are the advantages of static relays?

Solid-state contactors (SSRs) offer several advantages over electromechanical relays (EMRs). Here are some of the advantages that make SSRs more attractive than EMRs:

  • Higher input/output insulation than mechanical relays.
  • High-speed switching.
  • Low energy consumption.
  • No moving parts.
  • Long service life, estimated in some cases at 10 million operations.
  • High resistance to shock, vibration and noise.
  • No contact bounce;
  • Fast on/off time ;
  • High noise immunity due to absence of contacts ;
  • Low drive power requirements ;
  • Low electromagnetic interference ;
  • Can have multiple outputs;
  • Control of resistive or inductive loads.

For all these reasons, solid-state relays are the preferred choice in many applications where reliability and precision are essential.

The disadvantages of these products include their higher price. However, this disadvantage is often offset by the many advantages of SSRs.

How to choose solid-state relays

how to choose your relay

The first thing you need to know when selecting your solid state relays is to check the type of input and output:

  • Is it alternating or direct current (ac dc)?
  • Do they have current or voltage control?
  • What is the rated current of the relay load?
  • What is its operating voltage?
  • What type of load is resistive or inductive?
  • How many circuits or phases must be switched?

Then there are other important technical features to consider:

  • switching time,
  • input and output isolation,
  • control voltage,
  • operating temperature and heatsink requirements,
  • inrush currents at start-up for certain loads,
  • risks of overvoltage depending on their application and conditions of use.
  • diagnostic functions such as load break or short-circuit.
  • type of installation (panel mounting, plug-in), packaging (DIN rail).

You should also check the maximum dimensions (length x width x height), output noise and protection functions. And don't forget contact resistance!

choose your relay with the right dimensions

Discover our range of solid state relays

Picto download BROCHURE

Solid state relay - REVO S

Download the brochure and gain in compactness and performance with the REVO S solid-state relay.

Download

Choose our solid-state relays (SSRs) for optimum performance of your production processes and machines!