What is the difference between a solid state relay and a semiconductor

[Josh111]

What is the difference between a solid state relay and a semiconductor contactor?
Can both switch ac loads? This a link to a company that distinguishes between the two.

http://library.abb.com/global/scot/scot209.nsf/veritydisplay/da7ec357f6a7461cc12573ad004e1e83/$File/2CDC110004C0205_07.pdf

 

[m.s.j]

Regarding mentioned link, the static relay/semiconductor contactor are electronic type of conventional auxiliary relay/contactor (electromagnetic type) which constructed of electronic device such as transistor for low current switching which named static relay or thyristor for high current switching that named semiconductor contactors.
In power system protection fields, the term ‘static’ implies in static protective relay that the relay has no moving parts. This is not strictly the case for a static relay, as the output contacts are still generally attracted armature relays. In a protection relay, the term ‘static’ refers to the absence of moving parts to create the relay characteristic.
Introduction of static relays began in the early 1960’s.Their design is based on the use of analogue electronic devices instead of coils and magnets to create the relay characteristic. Early versions used discrete devices such as transistors and diodes in conjunction with resistors, capacitors, inductors, etc., but advances in electronics enabled the use of linear and digital integrated circuits in later versions for signal processing and implementation of logic functions. While basic circuits may be common to a number of relays, the packaging was still essentially restricted to a single protection function per case, while complex functions required several cases of hardware suitably interconnected. User programming was restricted to the basic functions of adjustment of relay characteristic curves. They therefore can be viewed in simple terms as an analogue electronic replacement for electromechanical relays, with some additional flexibility in settings and some saving in space requirements. In some cases, relay burden is reduced, making for reduced CT/VT output requirements.

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[oswaler]

A solid state relay (SSR) and a semiconductor are both electronic devices that can switch electrical currents on and off. However, there are some key differences between the two.

Firstly, a semiconductor is a material, usually silicon, that has electrical conductivity somewhere between that of a conductor and an insulator. It is the basic building block of electronic devices and is used to create transistors, diodes, and other components.

On the other hand, a solid state relay is a type of electronic switch that uses semiconductor technology to control the flow of electricity. It typically consists of a control circuit, an optocoupler, and a power switching device. Unlike traditional electromechanical relays, SSRs have no moving parts and use electronic components to switch the load.

One of the main differences between a solid state relay and a semiconductor contactor is their intended use. A solid state relay is designed for low power applications, typically up to a few hundred volts and a few amps. It is commonly used in industrial control systems, where it provides a reliable and fast switching solution. In contrast, a semiconductor contactor is designed for higher power applications, typically up to several thousand volts and tens of amps. It is commonly used in heavy-duty industrial and commercial applications, such as motor control.

Both a solid state relay and a semiconductor contactor can switch AC loads, but they differ in the way they do it. A solid state relay uses an optocoupler to isolate the control circuit from the power circuit, while a semiconductor contactor uses a mechanical contact to switch the load. This makes SSRs more reliable and durable, as there are no moving parts that can wear out over time.

In summary, a solid state relay and a semiconductor are two different types of electronic devices, with the former being a specific application of the latter. While they both use semiconductor technology, they have different designs and intended uses. It is important to understand these differences in order to select the appropriate device for a specific application.