Relays are often used as electrically controlled switches. Unlike transistors, their switch contacts are electrically isolated from the control input. On the other hand, the power dissipaTIon in a relay coil may be unattracTIve for battery-operated applicaTIons. You can lower this dissipation by adding an analog switch that allows the relay to operate at a lower voltage (Figure 1).
Figure 1. Analog switch lowers relay power dissipation.
Power consumed by the relay coil equals V²/RCOIL. The circuit lowers this dissipation (after actuation) by applying less than the normal operating voltage of 5V. Note that the voltage required to turn a relay on (pick-up voltage) is greater than that required to keep it on (dropout voltage). The relay shown has a 3.5V pick-up voltage and a 1.5V dropout voltage, yet the circuit allows it to operate from an intermediate supply voltage of 2.5V. Table 1 compares the relay's power dissipation with fixed operating voltages across it, and with the Figure 1 circuit in place.
Table 1. Power Dissipated By Relay
>Voltage
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