This Design Idea shows how to use a 63¢ (Q=1) microprocessor reset voltage detector IC in a relay coil drive circuit to greatly reduce the coil’s hold-in current. When asked to estimate the coil ...

Relays are common electromechanical devices in electrical circuits that come in two types: either latched or non-latched. Latched relays retain their last switch position even after complete power ...

As an electric motor’s rotor turns in close proximity to the motor windings, a bucking voltage or back electromotive force (EMF) is generated. The back EMF (BEMF) generated across the start winding is ...

Relays are electromechanical devices that use a magnetic solenoid to actual a switch. When current is passed through the solenoid coil, it produces a magnetic field. The magnetic field is strengthened ...

An RC circuit in series with the coil allows full-current turn-on for reliable relay operation, then reduces the current to save power. Fellow engineer Sanjay R. Chendvankar of Mumbai, India, recently ...