By Infineon Technologies 430
Infineon Technologies' PVN012A series photovoltaic relays at 50 mΩ feature the lowest possible on-state resistance in a miniature package; lower than a comparable reed relay. The PVN012A is a single-pole, normally open, solid-state relay. It utilizes a HEXFET MOSFET output switch, driven by an integrated circuit photovoltaic generator of novel construction. The output switch is controlled by radiation from a GaAlAs light emitting diode (LED) which is optically isolated from the photovoltaic generator. These units exceed the performance capabilities of electromechanical relays in life, sensitivity, stable on-resistance, miniaturization, magnetic insensitivity, and ruggedness. They are ideally suited for switching high currents or low level signals without distortion or injection of electrical noise. Series PVN012A relays are packaged in a 6-lead molded DIP package with either through-hole or surface-mount (gull-wing) terminals. They are available in standard plastic shipping tubes or on tape and reel.