Solid State Relays

2007-06-28T02:57:49Z

Jmelvin:

== Overview ==
A Solid State Relay, or SSR, is an electronic device that uses low voltage input to switch high voltage on or off. It is used in Christmas displays to allow the controller to switch the lights on and off. This article will show one who is not familiar with the device a basic overview of how it works.

[[Image:SSROZ 2.5a (small).jpg]]

== Circuit Diagram ==

A generic circuit diagram is available for download.
== Components ==
There are a few basic components that make up a Solid State Relay.
=== Triac ===
A Triac is a semiconductor device which perfoms the actual switching of the High Voltage current. It is usually in a TO-220 package with three pins.
=== Optocoupler ===
The Optocoupler is a device that helps to keep high voltages out of the control board and computer. It consists of a small LED that is optically coupled to an sensor circuit. The controller powers the LED, which causes the sensor circuit to send power to the Triac. Because there is no electrical path from the controller to the High Voltage, the risk of damage is significantly reduced.
=== Fuse ===
The fuse is another safety device used in many designs to limit the flow of current through the board. It will blow out if an unsafe amount of current passes through it, preventing damage to the board or a fire.
=== Resistors ===
Solid State Relays also have resistors to limit the flow of current through certain components. The value of the resistor can be determined based on the instructions at [http://simpleio.com/design/triacout/AppTriacOutGateResistor.asp SimpleIO]
== Designs ==
*[http://computerchristmas.com/?link=how_to&HowToId=68 Sean Bowf Standard 4-Channel]
*[http://computerchristmas.com/?link=how_to&HowToId=7 Robert Stark 4-Channel]
*[http://computerchristmas.com/?link=how_to&HowToId=13 Robert Stark 6-Channel Power Strip]
*[http://computerchristmas.com/?link=how_to&HowToId=9 Robert Stark 12-Channel]
*[http://computerchristmas.com/?link=how_to&HowToId=48 Frank Kostyun 4-Channel]
*[http://computerchristmas.com/?link=how_to&HowToId=65 David Fansler 8-Channel]
*[http://computerchristmas.com/?link=how_to&HowToId=86 Orien Love 4-Channel Enclosure]
*[http://computerchristmas.com/?link=how_to&HowToId=115 Rodney Harris Pod Enclosure]
*[http://www.christmasinshirley.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=237 James Melvin 4-channel]

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Solid State Relays