Need a relay recommendation

Nov 18, 2006 17 Replies

I need a recommendation for a relay. My timer outputs +5vdc for 30ms when the timer goes off. I need a relay that will switch a 12vdc circuit on during the 30 ms output. The amount of current in the 12vdc circuit is small (milliamps). I've been using a Radio Shack reed relay, but I'm having problems with reliability. Here is a link to what I'm using today:

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My application requires some fairly rough handling and I think this is what is causing them to fail. Any suggestions on a solid state relay? Ideally, it would be small and easy to get at a Radio Shack or other retail electronics shop. The relay needs to be normally open. I've looked at some photo-MOS relays but they are not easy to find.



Any suggestions would be appreciated.



I don't think you have defined the parameters completely. What happens after the 30ms? What de-energizes the 12V circuit?

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Wrong model. This needs 12 V to operate but won't switch more than 5 V. You need the other way around.

"Rated coil voltage: 12 VDC (at 20°C) Operating voltage: 8.4 VDC (at 20°C)

1 x compact 5VDC/1A SPST reed relay"

Try Catalog #: 275-232

ou

My mistake. I just copied the first link I came to. I am actually using the model you suggested.

The 30ms pulse is sent to a PLC input and it causes the PLC's program to start running.

During the 30ms the relay is closed, 12v is applied to the input of a PLC. When the 30ms is up, the 12v is no longer applied to the input.

My mistake. I just copied the first link I came to. I am actually using the model you suggested.

The 30ms pulse is sent to a PLC input and it causes the PLC's program to start running.

Is the relay not firing? Are the contacts welding?

Since the on time is fairly small I would suggest using an N-channel FET instead of a relay. The 5 volt output would be well in the trigger voltage spec for the gate.

Your relay is not closed for 30 mS if it is energized by a 30 mS pulse. There is some transfer time, and some bounce. If the 30 mS is critical for the PLC, a mechanical relay is not the right way to go. Here's a general circuit:

+12-------+------------+ | | [10K] | | /e +---[330]---| PNP | \e /c | +5 -----| NPN +---[R]---> +12 to PLC \e | | [1K] | | Gnd --------+------------+

Try the circuit. Choose R as needed to limit the current to the appropriate value for your PLC circuit.

Ed

Good question. I have not taken one apart to see if they are welded. They just stopped working. I'll take one apart an see.

Would you suggest a part number I may be able to cross-reference?

But, connect the base of the NPN to the output of the timer through a resistor (33K would be good) and not directly to the +5 supply (which would destroy it)

Bye. Jasen

The part I personally use would be an International Rectifier FET

part number IRFD120

It's a robust little FET and can be used in many applications and it's specs are high enough I doubt you would burn it out except in extreme situations. The company I work for uses it in many circuits and I have used it on many personal projects at home.

I've attached the data sheet to this message.

--- If you want to post binaries to USENET you need to post them to alt.binaries.schematics.electronic.

Most / all service providers filter them out of text-only newsgroups.

-- JF

I have seen gif / pdf / jpg files on this group for time to time.

Is it my ISP _does_not_ filter and your ISP _does_ filter ??

donald

Why? Just post a link to it on the manufacturer's website.

-- Service to my country? Been there, Done that, and I've got my DD214 to prove it. Member of DAV #85.

Michael A. Terrell Central Florida

All of them are supposed to, but some aren't smart enough to turn on the binaries filters.

Service to my country? Been there, Done that, and I've got my DD214 to prove it. Member of DAV #85. Michael A. Terrell Central Florida

Pretty much. And not so much the ISP - a lot of them contract out the news groups service.

I suppose... http://www.exit109.com/~jeremy/news/misplacedbin.html

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