The Benefits of Solid State Relays

A DC solid state relay has the ability to switch large DC current and power, typically from Batteries, Solar Cells, DC Generators or DC Power supplies, using a low power control input typically from a PLC, discrete controller, computer, or even a small mechanical on/off switch.  VB Controls' PE Series of Solid State Relays ( solidstaterelaystore.com ) are ultra-fast, switching in less than 15 microseconds and can be used in on/off applications or variable speed, torque or intensity applications with a Pulse Width Modulated control input. Multiple DC Solid State Relays can be used for half bridge or full bridge configurations for variable speed reversible motor drives and DC to AC Inverters.

Environmentally Friendly Solid State Relays

Although many electro-mechanical relays contain mercury and other harmful chemicals, all of our solid state relays are RoHS compliant, environmentally friendly. In addition, solid state relays do not generate a burst of static electricity that can harm or glitch sensitive electronics, like computers. Furthermore, all of our solid state relays meet or exceed CE regulations the European Union implemented to improve the safety and electromagnetic compatibility of electronics.

Using Electricity

Our company's experts have created DC solid state relays that use a much smaller amount of power than regular devices. The control input can operate on as little as 0.03 Watts and the ultra-low contact resistance provides superb power efficiency. The total power dissipation of a PE Series solid state relay is often less than the control (coil) power of an electro-mechanical contactor.

The Durability of Our Products

Relays do not contain any components that move, and as a result, the devices are not prone to wear out. There is no limit to the number of on/off cycles. They do not have contacts that bounce and arc and glitch nearby equipment. They work in any physical orientation. Vibration and G forces do not cause contact bounce or state change. Solid state relays are easy to use and extremely reliable.

Low Cost of Ownership

Generally, DC solid state relays have higher prices than electro-mechanical relays, especially at lower current levels.  However, when ease of use is included, DC solid state relays may have lower total installed cost than DC electro-mechanical contactors. When reliability is included, solid state relays typically have a much lower cost of ownership across the life of the equipment.

Placing Your Order

If you're ready to buy one of our products, you should visit solidstaterelaystore.com or call 540-822-9228. All of our Solid State Relays are designed and made in the United States. VB Controls is a veteran owned business. Calling us at 540-822-9228 for a new customer discount.

Advantages of Solid State Relays vs. Electromechanical Relays

Solid State Relay

The Future of Load Control is here today in the form of yet another Solid State Device, the SSR or Solid State Relay. Diodes, Transistors, MOSFETS and LEDs have come a long way from their beginnings.

Solid State Relays can be configured to handle high current, high voltage loads with only a small input voltage or current or with just photons for that matter. The use of a Photon Trigger Signal creates a design with zero coupling between the Control Voltage Signal and the Load  Current and Voltage. This can come in very handy when you want to achieve complete isolation between a working load and the control logic circuitry. It also makes for a wide variety of logic control schemes.

Solid State Relays are also much better at controlling inductance loads because of the inherent nature of some of their operating components SCR  ( silicon controlled rectifier ) TRIAC  relay is that they have a natural tendency to open an AC circuit only at a point of Zero Load Current. Because of this an AC current will never be interrupted in the middle of a sine peak. The advantage of this for inductance loads is that it prevents the occurrence of high voltage spikes from the stored energy of the magnetic field in the peak cycle of an inductor. This Single Solid State Relay Advantage alone can save countless dollars of damaged components and man hour repairs.

Some of the more obvious Advantages of Solid State Relays vs. Electromechanical Relays are:

• Solid State Relays are much faster than Electromechanical Relays
• SSRs have a far longer working life span the mechanical relays because they have no moving part.
• Solid State Relays are Safer because they do not produce Sparks when activated. This makes them ideal Load Control Devices in Explosive Work Environments like Dust or Gases.
• SSRs are much less sensitive to their operating environment factors such as mechanical shock or constant vibration, humidity or external magnetic fields.