What is a Relay?
A relay is best defined as a switch that is operated by an electromagnet.
What is a Relay Controller?
A relay controller is a device that is used to control a bank of switches. A relay controller works by turning on and off magnetic coils under logic control. A computer controlled relay driver allows your computer to send simple commands to activate a switch or a group of switches.
Relays are ideally suited for controlling everything from lights and motors to telecommunication, audio, and video signals. Some relays can be used for switching radio frequency signals. Relays come in many sizes and ratings. There are literally tens of thousands of relay varieties on the market.
NCD relay controllers allow you to switch electrical equipment from a computer via RS232, USB, or Wireless communications. There are many advantages to using a computer controlled relay controller. When the controlling computer is connected to the internet, relays can be controlled from anywhere in the world.
What are the most common Relay varieties?
SPST Single Pole Single Throw Relays simply connect two wires together. The common is the moving part of the relay that comes in contact with the normally open when the coil to the relay is energized.
SPDT Single Pole Double Throw Relays have three connections. Common, normally open, and normally closed. When the relay is off, the common is connected to the normally closed connection of the relay. When the relay coil is energized, the common swings over to the normally open connection of the relay.
DPST Double Pole Single Throw Relays have two separate switches, activated by a single coil. By default, the common connections are not connected to anything. When the relay coil is energized, both common arms move to the normally open connections.
DPDT Double Pole Double Throw Relays have a single coil with two arms that move at the same time. There are two completely separate SPDT switch mechanisms inside a DPDT relay. DPDT relays are most commonly used for signal switching applications, but can be found in high power switching applications.
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