Solid State Relay Circuit Symbol?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the appropriate symbol for a solid state relay (SSR) in circuit documentation. Participants explore various representations and their implications, particularly in relation to mechanical relay symbols and the characteristics of solid state devices.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about using mechanical relay symbols for solid state relays, noting that it may imply an inductive load, which is not accurate for SSRs.
  • Another participant suggests using a FET switch symbol, prompting a question about the construction of solid state switches.
  • It is mentioned that the load side of an SSR is typically represented with back-to-back diodes, with input terminals located nearby.
  • A participant shares a link to a datasheet for a high-side SSR and proposes that the block diagram could serve as a basis for creating a schematic symbol, emphasizing the importance of including details that reflect the device's limitations and features.
  • One participant describes a common representation of SSRs as a small square box labeled "SSR" with terminal numbers in the corners.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple competing views on how to represent solid state relays, with no consensus reached on a single symbol or approach.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations in the discussion include the lack of clarity on the specific construction details of solid state relays and the varying interpretations of schematic symbols across different contexts.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals involved in electronics design, particularly those working with relay circuits, may find this discussion relevant.

Shadrack
Messages
15
Reaction score
0
What is the symbol for a solid state relay? I've been using mechanical relay representations in my documentation and just writting next to it "solid state."

I don't like doing this, because it implies that the relay is an inductive load, which it isn't...

My thought is that it should look like or similar to an opto-isolator, with a current path through an LED that's output effects the base of an NPN transistor. Most of the relays we used are isolated anyway, so they probably work this way.

What are your thoughts?

Thanks!
-Shad
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Maybe use a FET switch symbol... Do you know how the solid state switch is constructed?
 
The load side is usually shown as back to back diodes. I think the input is just a couple of terminals located next to the diodes.

Regards
 
I googled solid state relay schematic symbol, and got lots of hits (not all useful). Here's a link to a datasheet for a highside SSR from STMicroelectronics. The block diagram in Figure 2 would be a good starting point for drawing a schematic symbol. I'd probably simplify it to the output MOSFET and input hysteresis gate, or something similar. I like to draw enough info in schematic symbols like this to remind me of some of the limitations and features of a particular device. For example, what's the difference between a high-side and low-side SSR? Why are they different? What would you have to have to make a more bi-directional SSR?

http://www.st.com/stonline/products/literature/ds/1079.htm
 
Last edited by a moderator:
http://www.power-io.com/gifs/hda-solid-state-relay.jpg"
 
Last edited by a moderator:
The way I have seen this component represented is by a small square box with SSR (solid state relay) written in it. Then the numbers 1-4 in each corner for the terminals.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
4K
Replies
8
Views
4K
  • · Replies 38 ·
2
Replies
38
Views
8K