Relays & Contactors

Panasonic’s Energy Management relays can be controlled in ways that help not only make products safer by generating less heat but also fewer allow for reduced power losses through lower coil holding techniques. Explore and discover some of the ways in which these relays can be controlled with less power using optimal circuit design methods.

Relays and contactors are electrically operated switches intended for both switching of loads and controlling electrical circuits. Functionally, relays and contactors fulfill the same role in a circuit which is to provide isolation between a control circuit and an output circuit. Inherent advantages such as small size, PCB mount capability, and low cost allow engineers to replace contactors with relays in several applications.

The evolution of Industry 4.0 has created a demand to further introduce factory automation by adding more connectivity, communication, safety, and automation. These factors relating to manufacturing improvement are met through the integrations of new technologies such as IoT, Artificial Intelligence, and cloud computing to enhance the system’s capabilities.  

Present-day digital thermostats have evolved into smart, connected thermostats that are becoming more cost-effective as well as easier to use. With an upgrade in power, size and cost, designers can implement PhotoMOS® technology rather than the previous designs that relied on electromechanical relays.

A latching relay is an electromechanical switch commonly selected when the operator must control (either switch off or amplify) a large amount of current flow. It will remain in the last position it was when last powered, whereas a non-latching relay will return to its typical position. While latching and non-latching relays share many similarities in design and function, their significant differences allow each type to be more suitable for separate applications.