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Solid State Relay Vs MOSFET – What are their Similarities and Differences?
Most times people interchange a MOSFET for a solid state relay (SSR).

However, these two components differ based on the way they operate. In

this article, we will explore what each component offer, their similarities

and differences.

Table of Contents

What is the Function of a Solid State Relay?

Solid state relay functions as an electrical switch that can turn off or on an

electrical appliance using another electrical input. It makes use of

optoelectronics and semiconductor switches rather than using moving

contacts and magnetism. We have two different types of solid state relay.

The first one switches AC loads and the other type switches DC loads.

When there is an AC supply, a DC SSR will go off for half the time. This

could result in half-wave rectified current.

When AC relay has a DC supply and there is flow of current, this won’t stop

even after removing the control signal. Solid state relay (SSR) is less

vulnerable to environmental factors like external magnetic fields,

mechanical shock, and vibration. Therefore, SSRs can be relied on. They

offer increased lifespan which makes them very reliable.

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While the average lifespan of an EMR is one million cycles, an SSR’s

lifespan is almost 100 times of that. We can all see that an SSR can stand

the test of time. Also, a solid state relay has low emissions, no electrical

arcing, and no contact bounce. An SSR with a full rated current produces

almost 10X more heat an electromechanical offers.

Therefore, there is a need for good thermal management when using SSR

while electromechanical relays don’t need that.

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What are the Uses of Solid State Relay?

A solid state relay serves many purposes in different applications. For

instance, this relay is commonly used in industrial applications in which

issues about high inrush currents and high switching frequencies arise.

Also, SSR can control valves, motors, and electromagnets used in

automation, machine, rail, and energy applications.

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Furthermore, applications which require quick, frequent switching

needs a solid state relay. For instance, an industrial oven has a

temperature control in which the main supply to the heating element will

need to be switched off in every two to three seconds. Therefore, an SSR

can serve as a switch in this application.

Another important use case of solid state relays is in interfacing. Small

SSRs consume a few mA and as such, they absorb the limited output

currents from PLCs. You will find SSRs in almost all applications these days.

They are available in office machines, computers, industrial controls,

and consumer electronics.

Solid state relays have a lot of advantages. These relays function at

extremely high speeds and don’t generate any sparks. Due to this, SSRs

can function well in explosive atmospheres.

What are MOSFETs?

MOSFET means metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor. This

type of transistor is functional in many electronic devices like computers,

televisions, and mobile phones. Silicon, which is a semiconductor material

and a thin layer of metal oxide is used in making MOSFETs. The metal

oxide which is on the surface of MOSFETs functions as an insulator.

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This semiconductor material creates a drain region. MOSFETs comprise a

metal gate electrode in which a thin oxide layer insulates it from the

semiconductor. Also, their source and drain terminals constitute doped

semiconductor material, while metal is used for making the gate terminal.

An electric field forms through the application of voltage to the gate

terminal. The electric field regulates current flow between the drain and

source terminals.

MOSFETs are devices controlled by voltage. This shows that the voltage

used by the gate terminal determines the current flow between the drain

and source terminals. As a result of this, MOSFETs are functional devices

in electronic applications like digital logic circuits, switching, and

amplification. Also, they feature high input-output isolation,

low power consumption, and high input impedance.

MOSFETs are more ideal for use in applications where low level of noise,

fast switching speed, and high frequency operation are required. MOSFET

are high power electrical switches that don’t need physical contact to

function. MOSFET can switch and connect signals. They have

semiconductor features and mechanical relays. MOSFETs are ideal for use

in security equipment, semiconductor inspection system, and other

applications.

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They are now commonly used for signal switching and amplification. Also,

these devices are common in analog and digital circuits. As a three

terminal device, MOSFET comprises a Drain (D), a Gate (G), and a Source

(S).

What are the Types of MOSFETs?

There are two main types of MOSFET. These are depletion MOSFET and

enhancement MOSFET.

Depletion MOSFET

Theree is a channel developed in the Depletion MOSFET during its

fabrication process. This means there is a channel even when there is no

voltage. As a result of this, the depletion MOSFET is capable of conducting

current between drain and source.

The depletion MOSFET can either be be ‘P-channel or ‘N-channel

D-MOSFET’ based on the channel you are using. The type of channel in the

depletion MOSFET impacts its biasing, current capacities, and speed.

Enhancement MOSFET

No channel is developed in the enhancement MOSFET during its

fabrication. A channel is rather developed in the substrate by the

application of voltage via its electrode. The conducting ability of this

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MOSFET is enhanced by the voltage. This is the reason it is called

‘Enhancement MOSFET.’

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Similarities between Solid State Relay Vs MOSFETs

MOSFETs which stands for Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect

Transistor and solid state relays share some similarities. These two

electronic devices are both capable of regulating electricity flow in a

circuit.

Below are some of the similarities these two devices share:

 MOSFETs and solid state relay can switch electrical circuits on and

off. They can as well regulate where a current is flowing to.

 Both devices can offer electrical isolation between various parts of

a circuit.

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 Electrical signals like current or voltage can control MOSFETs and

solid state relay.

 Both devices function well in several applications like consumer

electronic, industrial control systems, telecommunication systems,

and automotive systems.

Solid State relays and MOSFETs are capable of handling high power in

devices and as well function in high voltages. However, relays perform

better in high current applications when compared to MOSFETs.

Difference Between Solid State Relay Vs MOSFET

Although MOSFETs and solid state relays share some similarities, they

differ in some ways. MOSFETs serve different functions, however, they are

mainly designed to function as an electrical switch. While a solid state

relay is a passive component, a MOSFET is an active component.

The switching speed of MOSFET is much higher than that of a solid state

relay. In terms of output current, a MOSFET differs from an SSR. A solid

state relay is a more affordable option than MOSFETs. MOSFETs are

devices controlled by voltage.

Another difference between a solid state relay vs MOSFET can be seen in

their size. When compared to SSR, a MOSFET is smaller in size. Therefore,

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MOSFET is ideal for use in applications that require a compact enclosure

or circuit.

What are the Advantages of Solid State Relay?

Fast Switching Speed

The switching speed of solid state relay is very fast. Solid state relay don’t

have mechanical parts for movement but they have the ability to switch

ver fast.

Due to solid state relay’s fast switching speed, it is useful in a wide range

of applications, particularly where high frequencies and critical timing are

of great importance. For instance, you will find SSRs in the automation

systems of homes, communication equipment, and robotics.

No voltage switching

SSRs can be turned on and off at no voltage. This indicates that they don’t

have arcing across contacts, unlike electromechanical relay. Putting and

contact points’ erosion can occur due to electrical arcing. This may lead to

failure in the long run. Since a solid state relay has no arcing problem, it

usually lasts longer. Also, SSR operates in flammable environments. There

will be a reduction in EMI due to lack of arcing.

Long Lifespan

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Since there are no moving parts in solid state relays, they won’t wear out

or break. Therefore, this makes them last longer compared to

electromechanical relays. The average lifespan of an SSR is millions of

cycles and about hundreds of millions hours when used in normal

conditions. This accounts for more than 20 years of operation.

Electrical Isolation

The majority of solid state relays produced today isolate control signal

from switching circuit. Electrical isolation offers many benefits, of which

the most evident ones are arc avoidance and control circuit safety.

The occurrence of electrical sparks or shocks or sparks in SSR, even when

the load generates a high reverse current.

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Disadvantages of Solid State Relays

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Limited Current and voltage ratings

The current and voltage ratings of solid state relays is a big disadvantage.

Most solid state relays can switch low-current and low-voltage loads.

There are SSRs that can handle higher current and voltage, however, they

can be more expensive compared to the standard types.

Cost

Solid State relays are expensive. The use of semiconductor materials

contributed to their high cost. Also, their manufacturing processes tend to

be complex and as such, this contributes to their high cost.

Output Leakage Current

Small amount of leakage current moves through the output when you

turn off a solid state relay. Although, this is a normal occurrence, it can be

a problem when the load is vulnerable to small changes in current.

Conclusion

SSRs and MOSFETs have various functions. These devices have proved to

be very useful in different applications. They have some similarities and

differences. The type of application you are using these devices for will

determine which is perfect.

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