Solid State Relays: An Innovative Solution Promoting Miniaturization of Semiconductors and Electronic Devices

Highlights:

• Introduction
• Reasons behind the growing preference for solid state relays
• Innovative product launches in the landscape

Relays are electrical devices that control the current that is applied to a load based on the input signal. These components essentially act as a switch that has single or multiple contact terminals. Traditionally, relay contact terminals are made from electromagnets which easily close or open the circuit. However, advancements in electrical and electronics engineering have led to the advent of new types of switches such as solid-state relays. These gadgets use semiconductor technology to control current without the movement of any contact terminals. Over the years, solid-state relays have become one of the most preferred electrical switches and have wide applicability across different end-use industries including plastic manufacturing, packaging, electronics, healthcare, HVAC, etc.

The increasing shift toward solid state relays for high-voltage high-current applications

Unlike traditional mechanical relays, solid-state devices use switching elements such as diodes, thyristors, transistors, and TRIACs to manage and regulate the flow of current. Also called optical semiconductors or photocouplers, these components aid in isolating input or output signals by converting electric current into optical pulses. SSRs can be used to control both alternating and direct current and offer infinite resistance in its non-conducting phase.

In the past few years, the role of SSRs has expanded with the rising integration of industrial automation in different manufacturing processes. These relays help in controlling heavy machinery and heating equipment more efficiently as compared to mechanical devices. The fast-paced, high-frequency switching offered by solid-state protection switches makes them ideal for such applications. Moreover, the energy-efficient functioning of SSRs has increased their utilization in various production lines as they drastically bring down the power consumption of the equipment. The growing awareness regarding environmental sustainability has increased the expanse of the solid state relay industry significantly.

Additionally, since SSRs do not have any moving parts unlike conventional relays, the friction caused between the components is much lesser. This, in turn, increases the longevity, reliability, and durability of the entire electrical circuit and reduces the maintenance and repair costs. Most importantly, the shift toward miniaturization of electronics and semiconductors has surged the demand for solid state relays. Furthermore, the ability of SSRs to perform a wide range of switching operations makes them a perfect choice for IoT devices and smart gadgets.

Innovations and trends opening new avenues of growth in the landscape

The solid state relay industry has witnessed numerous innovations in the past few years with several research institutes and engineering universities investing in R&D activities. Recently, advanced semiconductor materials such as silicon carbide and gallium nitride have been used to manufacture SSRs. Compared to normal solid state relays, these devices have much higher current handling capacities and superior voltage parameters. The use of SiC and GaN also helps in addressing the problem of heat generation, thereby improving the overall efficiency of the electrical device.

Along with this, many private companies have launched state-of-the-art SSRs that align with the changing dynamics of the consumer electronics manufacturing industry. For instance, Texas Instruments, a leading semiconductor company based in the US, announced the expansion of its product portfolio with the launch of a new line of solid state relays designed specifically for automobile applications. These automotive-qualified switches and drivers use a single barrier to isolate signals and integrate power, thereby reducing the solution size and installation cost compared to mechanical or electromagnetic relays. Troy Coleman, General Manager of Power Switches at TI, stated that the new isolation technology used in the recently launched product line has been developed keeping in mind the growing adoption of electric vehicles. The integrated isolation technique helps in bringing down the cost, size, and complexity of high-voltage power supplies, thereby enhancing the safety of the automobile.

In August 2024, Littelfuse, Inc., an American industrial technology manufacturer, unveiled the SRP1 Solid-State Relays (SSRs) family. The company, in its press release, stated that these relays have been specifically designed to address the issues caused by mechanical failures of conventional devices. SRP1 relays can be deployed in industrial automation systems, consumer electronic goods such as microwave ovens, coffee machines, etc., and HVAC equipment. The high-endurance design, integrated protection features, wide performance range, and compliance with international standards have made the product line quite popular among different electronics manufacturing companies. The launch of such advanced solid state relays and switches are expected to play a major role in the growth of the company as well as the overall industry.

Summing up, the increasing trend toward semiconductor miniaturization is expected to drive significant revenue growth in the landscape of solid-state relay. Moreover, the increasing applicability of these electrical switches in industrial automation and consumer electronics manufacturing is anticipated to bring in numerous investment opportunities for the sector in the coming period.

For more insights into the latest developments related to solid state relay technology, feel free to contact us.

Related Post