[Teodor] writes in with a unique Tesla coil he designed and built. Unlike most Tesla coils, [Teodor]’s design is able to run with a fairly low input voltage because it doesn’t use a static spark gap ...

My July 3 column covered the theory and operation of potential relays. This article covers potential relay ratings and specifications along with systematic troubleshooting. Here is an example of a ...

Over the years, control relays of various types have been used by the hundreds — even thousands — to control nearly every function in commercial and industrial processes. Today, many of those ...

As an electric motor’s rotor turns in close proximity to the motor windings, a bucking voltage or back electromotive force (EMF) is generated. The back EMF (BEMF) generated across the start winding is ...

Relays are electromechanical devices that use a magnetic solenoid to actual a switch. When current is passed through the solenoid coil, it produces a magnetic field. The magnetic field is strengthened ...

One of my favorite activities is discovering the inner secrets of electronics systems as I am always looking for interesting design ideas. That way, I can take those design tricks a step further, ...

I know, I know—discussing the subject of a relay-based sequence switch in the age of omnipresent microprocessors seems to be a waste of time. After all, relays have been in use for many years. Is it ...