an innovative solution to relay contact protection
Mains relay reliability and lifetime is generally dependent upon factors such as switched load, nature of relay contacts including contact materials’ state of deterioration, the use of suitable protection circuit and the thermal dissipation within the relay. The IES5541A (patent pending) contact protection circuitry can increase relay lifetime by as much as 10 orders. Achieve over 1 million* operations reliably! IES5541A provides effective relay contact protection against arcing, with most types of load. The IES5541A is compatible with most mains or power relays used in mains switching control solutions. Ideal for applications where load is frequently switched such as in high accuracy temperature control applications. Connecting the IES5541A directly to a resistive sensor network, such as a thermocouple or NTC thermistor gives a complete temperature control and relay drive solution for mains thermal loads. *Figures based on in-house testing			“IES5541A with its contact protection technology will provide better relay reliability and extended relay lifetime. Ideal for temperature control with thermal loads “
features
Relay contact protected against arcing during switching Zero crossing load switching Minimises EMI/ RFI by reduction of switching transients and arcing Allows higher relay switching rate Accept both logic and sensor input		External 7V supply available for low power microcontroller or circuitry Mains application (110V/ 230V) Suitable for both resistive and inductive loads Compatible to be used with most mains power electromechanical relays
benefits
Extend relay operating lifetime by a minimum factor of ten times rated Significant reduction of EMI Tighter temperature control with low hysteresis in heating/ cooling applications		Greater design flexibility with easy interface to microprocessor, logic gates, serial bus or resistive sensor Solutions to applications where size and thermal issues are a key product requirement; no triac Heatsink required
IES5541A block diagram
IES5541A block diagram with basic external components to drive relay and provide contact protection. To learn more refer to Protection Sequence information.
packaging and availability
IES5541A is available in DIP-8 and SO-8 package All are RoHS compliant Engineering samples are currently available		Full product release expected in Q1 2007 Refer to IES5541A applications for demonstration boards