Sep 19, 2018

Important Features Of A High Voltage Contactor

By Robert Hughes


Developments in semiconductor technology have led to the innovation of solid state switches that can replace thyratrons, ignition and spark gaps that were being used before. Older electronics used drivers that are being replaced by TTL input. These advances have improved the efficiency of switches over time. A high voltage contactor has the flow features that make them one of the best inventions.

The switches have been developed in a way that there is very low input power loss. Power losses have been a major cause for concern when developing switches. These switches are developed with MOSFET technology. This technology involves the use of small total gate charge. This means that losses due to the gate charge, switching frequency, and the drive voltage are very minimal. This is not the case when switches use bipolar transistors such as BJT.

They are reliable for current applications. They offer steady hard saturation even at short-circuit operation. The ability to switch faster enabling them to use smaller inductors in switch mode supplies. This increases overall efficiency. This reliability makes it possible to use these contactors in medical test equipment.

Switches are easily customized especially when it comes to the housing and footprint. This helps them suit and fit where they are meant to be used. Besides the customization, these contactors are quite easy to use due to the incorporation of galvanic isolation with TTL control. The sensitivity of the switches is also customized in different ways to suit the specified use.

The switches are designed to prevent against overload or voltage reversal. Cases of voltage reversal are common and they lead to catastrophic events. The technologies used in these switches make them safe for everyday use. The technologies include MOSFET, IGBT, SCR, and thyristor. With such technology, these contactors are highly recommended.

These contactors are voltage controlled unlike those controlled by current. This helps them to switch using very little current which means they can handle high loads without heating. On the other hand, other switches require a fair amount of current to switch which makes them create a lot of heat when handling high loads. The possibility of these switches operating in linear mode is very minimal. This is because the level of drain current does affect the gate-source voltage.

These type of switches ensures that there is a faster switching. This is made possible because the switches are able to handle high frequencies. The faster switching also does not leave a chance for much loss. The transistors are insulated with a thin oxide layer which prevents drawing of current during switching. This advantage has a lot of effect on the overall performance of the contactors and the power losses.

These switches are suitable for both low-power applications and current applications. Their unique features and technology help achieve great results with very minimal risks. They are durable and can survive millions of cycles. The above features are just a few of many that make the switches suitable for day-to-day use. The technology also has a number of limitations. More developments are still being made to ensure that these limitations are dealt with to ensure efficiency in switching.




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