Circuit for operating voltage range extension for a relay

• Main Authors: WITT PAUL A, BECKERT JAMES J, ROLLER MICHAEL J
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 30.12.2003
• Edition: 7
• Subjects: BASIC ELECTRIC ELEMENTS; BASIC ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY; CURRENT COLLECTORS; ELECTRIC SWITCHES; ELECTRICITY; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES; LINE CONNECTORS; PULSE TECHNIQUE; RELAYS; SELECTORS

A relay is designed to be used in a circuit where the voltage levels are high in comparison to the spacing between the contacts when open. Contact closure arcing is suppressed by actuating a MOSFET that shorts the contacts together while they open. The same MOSFET can momentarily short the contacts...