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Relay Applications

Relays are used to amplify signals, control high-power or high-current circuits with low-power or low-current signals, isolate circuits at different potentials, perform logic functions using Boolean algebra, and were used in early computers before transistors. They are also used for safety-critical applications and can be modified to introduce time delays.

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97 views

Relay Applications

Relays are used to amplify signals, control high-power or high-current circuits with low-power or low-current signals, isolate circuits at different potentials, perform logic functions using Boolean algebra, and were used in early computers before transistors. They are also used for safety-critical applications and can be modified to introduce time delays.

Uploaded by

prachi_shrivas
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Applications

Relays are used to and for:

Amplify a digital signal, switching a large amount of power with a small operating

power. Some special cases are: A telegraph relay, repeating a weak signal received at the end of a long Controlling a high-voltage circuit with a low-voltage signal, as in some Controlling a high-current circuit with a low-current signal, as in wire

types of modems or audio amplifiers,

the starter solenoid of an automobile,

Detect and isolate faults on transmission and distribution lines by opening and

closing circuit breakers (protection relays),

A DPDT AC coil relay with "ice cube" packaging

Isolate the controlling circuit from the controlled circuit when the two are at

different potentials, for example when controlling a mains-powered device from a low-voltage switch. The latter is often applied to control office lighting as the low voltage wires are easily installed in partitions, which may be often moved as needs change. They may also be controlled by room occupancy detectors in an effort to conserve energy,

Logic functions. For example, the boolean AND function is realised by connecting

normally open relay contacts in series, the OR function by connecting normally open contacts in parallel. The change-over or Form C contacts perform the XOR (exclusive or) function. Similar functions for NAND and NOR are accomplished using

normally closed contacts. The Ladder programming language is often used for designing relay logic networks.

The application of Boolean Algebra to relay circuit design was formalized Early computing. Before vacuum tubes and transistors, relays were used

by Claude Shannon in A Symbolic Analysis of Relay and Switching Circuits

as logical elements in digital computers. See electro-mechanical computers such as ARRA (computer), Harvard Mark II, Zuse Z2, and Zuse Z3.

Safety-critical logic. Because relays are much more resistant than

semiconductors to nuclear radiation, they are widely used in safety-critical logic, such as the control panels of radioactive waste-handling machinery.

Time delay functions. Relays can be modified to delay opening or delay closing a

set of contacts. A very short (a fraction of a second) delay would use a copper disk between the armature and moving blade assembly. Current flowing in the disk maintains magnetic field for a short time, lengthening release time. For a slightly longer (up to a minute) delay, a dashpot is used. A dashpot is a piston filled with fluid that is allowed to escape slowly. The time period can be varied by increasing or decreasing the flow rate. For longer time periods, a mechanical clockwork timer is installed.

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