Relays, Solenoids, and Transducers: Principles and Applications
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Presentation Transcript
EET273 Electronic Control Systems Week 4 – Relays and Solenoids
Relays and Solenoids • Reading: Ch. 10:1, 10:3; 11
Transducers • A Transducer Is: • A device that converts energy from one form to another • Some examples: • Mechanical: • Solenoid • Relay coil • Actuators • Mechanical sensors • Electro-acoustical: • Microphone • Loudspeaker
Relays • A relay is: • An electrical switch actuated by a magnetic coil • Contains an electromagnet in close proximity to a set of switching contacts • Can contain a single set of switching contacts, or several, including NC or NO contacts • “Normal” status is when coil is not energized
“Ice Cube” relay • DPDT Relay • Clear plastic for viewing contacts • Eight pins – 3 for each switch, and 2 for the coil • Relay base is often called an “octal base” due to having 8 contacts
Relay contacts • Switching is done by a moving metal “leaf” that moves between 2 contact points
Relay Circuits • Ladder Logic • Coils and switches shown as separate symbols, but named similarly • Since a single relay can have many switches in parallel, a set of switches may be named CR1-1, CR1-2, etc.
Relay Circuits • Use red arrows to represent a closed circuit (and thus the flow of current) • Use red X’s to show that a switch is closed, and therefore no current flowing in that leg
Relays vs. Transistors • Why use a relay to do switching? Why not a transistor? • Pros: • Typically allow higher currents • No voltage drop between switching contacts • Very low resistance between closed switching contacts • Very high resistance between open switching contacts • Simplicity – can switch AC or DC, at various voltage levels, with no need for biasing circuitry • Cons: • Relays are typically slower than transistors • Mechanical – wears out over time • Cost – modern transistors are a fraction of the cost of most relays
On-delay & Off-delay Relays • On delay relays: delay occurs when coil is energized, no delay when coil is de-energized • Off delay relays: delay occurs when coil is de-energized, no delay when coil is energized • Arrow in symbol represents when delay occurs • Up: energized • Down: de-energized • Can be either NO or NC
On-delay & Off-delay Relays Normally open, timed-close Normally open, timed-open
Relays – other considerations • Remember, a relay coil is just an inductor, everything you know about inductors applies! • Relay coils store energy in a magnetic field, and when switched off, this field collapses, creating a “kickback voltage” • You can reduce the effects of this “kickback voltage” through the use of diode in parallel with the relay coil
Solenoids • Solenoid: • A coil of wire designed to produce a magnetic field • Differs from a inductor in it’s application – an inductor’s job is to create inductance, the magnetic field is just a byproduct • Magnetic field is used to attract a moveable ferrous armature • A transducer – converts electrical energy to mechanical energy
Solenoid Valve – Fluid Valve • 2-way valves • One path for fluid to flow • Analogous to a SPST switch – fluid is either on or off • Can be normally closed or open • Return spring side – normal state • Solenoid side – actuated state • In fluid valves, “closed” refers to a valve that is NOT passing fluid, and “open” is one that allows flow, this is the opposite from how open and closed electrical switches allow current to flow
Solenoid Valve • 2-way bidirectional valves • Some valves have a “preferred direction” of flow • Bidirectional valves have no preferred directional of flow
Solenoid Valves – 3 way • 3-way valves • Two paths for a common path to flow to • One path is normal open, other is normally closed • Analogous to a Form C or SPDT electrical switch • Remember, “OPEN” and “CLOSED” mean the opposite from what they mean in electrical circuits!
Thermocouples • When two dissimilar metals are combined, they induce a voltage that is proportional to their temperature • Different types of metal combinations will produce different voltage levels • This voltage is typically small and requires a buffer amplifier to be used effectively
Lab 3 – Basic Relays • Using an “ice-cube” DPDT relay • Reading a relay wiring diagram • Taking voltage/current measurements on a relay • Using a timer relay • Creating an ON delay and an OFF delay
Lab 4 – H-bridge • Used to switch power connections on a DC motor to allow the motor to spin either direction