One of the biggest trends in the switch and relay markets is the call for more options to help designers select the best switching device for their application. Other big asks are for longer life, ...

Relays and contactors use a variety of technologies to switch signals and power connections. Many devices called relays use similar techniques and topologies, but the terminology can be confusing.

How many remote controls do you have in your home? Don’t you wish all these things were better integrated somehow, or that you could add remote control functionality to a random device? It’s a common ...

Over the years, control relays of various types have been used by the hundreds — even thousands — to control nearly every function in commercial and industrial processes. Today, many of those ...

When to use mechanical vs. solid-state devices. The parameters that should be considered when selecting a device. Optimize your selection for lowest cost/maximum ...

The reed relay was invented in 1936 by Bell Telephone Laboratories. Since that time, it has gradually evolved from very large, relatively crude parts to the small, ultra-reliable parts we have today.

Last column, I wrote about various applications where fire alarm relays could be used to integrate a commercial fire alarm system with other electrical systems at a customer’s site to provide them ...

Component manufacturers face increased demand for switches and relays that offer longer life cycles and smaller packages and can operate in harsh environments. Many of these new devices offer low ...