Industrial Solid-State Relays

Electromechanical Relays
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Here is a post to talk about Littelfuse Industrial Solid-State Relays sold at DigiKey.

Q - Who needs Solid State Relays?
A - Solid-state is the best option for industrial professionals who needs very Frequent on/off switching and/or Extra Reliability under tough conditions: Frequent Lights ON/OFF, Precise Heating 80% of customers, Frequent Motor Start/Stop 10% of customs.

Q - Where do we see Solid State Relays?

A - Used inside OEM Machines & Industrial Control Panels.

  • Motor Control: For controlling AC or DC motors in conveyor systems or robotics.

  • Heater Control: Precise temperature regulation in industrial ovens or plastic molding machines.

  • Lighting Control: Switching large lighting loads in factories or warehouses.

Q - Where else do we see Solid State Relays being used?

A - 30% of customers in FOOD & BEVERAGE; for Ovens, Dispensers, and 30% in areas

inside buildings for Lighting and HVAC control.

25% in INDUSTRIAL PROCESS & AUTOMATION for Plastics & Packaging.

OTHERE SPECIFIC INDUSTRIES like Transportation & Energy building up to 15%

(Target Markets are for both the OEM business and distribution business)

Q - What are the new Littelfuse SRP1 series relays and output details?

A - SRP1 family covers a wide array of industrial switching needs:

  • DC outputs (CC series) Uses MOSFETs; optimized for DC loads such as heaters, solenoids, fans, battery systems, and medical/test equipment.

  • AC heating and general AC loads (CE/ME), Zero-cross switching minimizes electrical noise.

    • SRP1-CE: Cost-efficient for AC heating.
    • SRP1-ME: Compact for space-constrained installations.

  • High-endurance, heavy-duty AC loads (CB), Built for high-frequency switching; offers 2-3 times more lifespan.

  • Protected, robust AC switching with overvoltage safety (CR)

There are a few series types of these relays linked here.

Q - What are the main Factors so assess when facing a potential customer

  1. The need for knowing; Very frequent switching, completely silent switching & Extra Reliable switching needed (This will help determine Whether a solid-state relay is necessary)
  2. Load Type to switch (heating elements and lights require different types of SSR then a motor.
  3. Load Operating Voltage (to understand if requiring DC or AC relay)
  4. Load Operating Current (SSR rating ca vary from 10A to 100A or higher)
  5. Overvoltage & Touch-Safe Protection included! (The customer can choose to ad protections itself or because if they are not needed)
  6. SSR Control Signal Voltage (Similar to #3 above)
  7. Mounting Style - (think of being either Panel Mount, DIN Rail or PCB mounting)

Q - Consider Using a Heatsink - after you fully review the datasheet and or your situation for using each SSR for your application.

  • Also, for your application see pictures on DigiKey site for choosing the proper SSR parts.
    • See if the customer has a project specification document to go by.
      • Consider requirements such as UL, CE, VDE or other.
      • Make sure your application can be validated when using Solid-State-Relays purchased
    • Ask Customer how many unites will be needed for your particular application.
      • (What target price and margin can be delt with the Distributor you choose to use).
    • make sure to know the Ship-to location and lead times with respect to terms.

All SSR details can be found at this link.