What is this electrical component CR ?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the meaning of the "CR" symbol in a wiring diagram for a solar cell tester. Participants explore various interpretations of this symbol, considering its implications for the device's functionality and operation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that "CR" might refer to a switch, speculating on its role in comparing voltages in the circuit.
  • Another participant mentions that in other schematics, "CR" is often used to denote relays, implying this could be the case here as well.
  • A different viewpoint introduces the concept of "cell relay," linking it to transmission technology, but questions its relevance given the analog nature of the signals involved.
  • One participant proposes that "CR" could stand for "Control Relay," considering the context of the equipment's operation.
  • Another suggestion is that "CR" might indicate a capacitor that operates at a certain frequency, sending packets of charge to the analog-to-digital converter.
  • There is mention of "current rectifier" as another possible meaning for "CR," with a participant agreeing that "control relay" makes sense in the context of the schematic.
  • A later reply confirms the presence of an OMRON G7L-1A-T relay in the equipment, suggesting that it is indeed used for switching between tests, but does not definitively resolve the meaning of "CR."

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express multiple competing interpretations of the "CR" symbol, including "Control Relay," "current rectifier," and "diode." The discussion remains unresolved as no consensus is reached on the definitive meaning.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the potential for confusion due to varying definitions of "CR" in different contexts, and the complexity of the circuit involved may contribute to the uncertainty surrounding its meaning.

Aaron William
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What is this electrical component "CR"?

Hey folks,

Can anyone give me a hint to what the CR symbol in this wiring diagram might mean? I'm thinking it is some kind of switch...

The equipment is a solar cell tester. Basically it traces I-V curves. In the attached picture the pins (circles) contact the solar cell (anode and cathode on the back)

It looks like VB+ is always at the IV-Voltage+ potential. PPV-Test-1 (carried on a BNC cable to an analog card on the control PC) must compare VA+ to VB+ (for some nefarious purpose) but unless CR20 causes some potential drop I don't know why VA wouldn't simply equal VB; unless there was some defect across the solar cell. The original owner used this equipment for QC so that wouldn't surprise me.

And yes, off to the right hand side is the IV-Voltage- and IV-Current- side.

Any insight or any helpful references would be a godsend. I'll eventually figure the whole thing out but "cheating" a bit never hurts!
 

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I have seen in other schematics that relays are 'CR'. This looks to be the case here too.
 


cell relay
A transmission technology that uses small fixed-length packets (cells) that can be switched at high speed. It is easier to build a switch that switches fixed-length packets than variable ones. ATM uses a type of cell relay technology.

Google is your friend. You should learn to use it.
 


Try googling "CR" and you'd understand my frustration ;p

I'm not sure if Cell Relay would be appropriate - the voltage is an analog signal, although the circuit that controls the relay is probably digital.

I did see in wikipedia that diodes are sometimes denoted by CR.

My thinking now is that it stands for "Control Relay"...

Another possibility is that it is a capacitor that charges and discharges at a certain frequency - sending "packets" of charge to the analog->digital converter.
 
Last edited:


CR often means 'current rectifier', translate diode.

i spent time trying to make sense of that drawing. my guess is it's as you said, control relay. it'd make sense to test via pushbuttons and relays rather than moving meter leads..

must be more to that drawing.
 


The schematic I recall seeing CR in would certainly fit control relay. I have also seen diodes referred to as CR in schematics.
 


Thanks guys, I was hesitant to open up the equipment but I did so anyway to see what they meant. There is a OMRON G7L-1A-T in there that is switched by a 24 VPC source. So I think the controlling computer uses it to switch between the different tests.

Thanks for all of your answers!
 

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