MEMS relays (also called MEMS switches) have high isolation when open and very low insertion loss or resistance when closed; they can handle signals from DC to multi-GHz, operate with very little power, and their micrometer size means that many can be packed into a small space. These attributes make MEMS relays well-suited for 5G […]
What are the four most-common relay technologies and where are they used?
The four most-common relay technologies include electromechanical relays, reed relays, solid-state relays, and optotriacs. These relay technologies have widely varying capabilities, making them suitable for different applications. This FAQ compares each relay technology’s structures, specs, operations, and applications. The oldest and most basic type of relay are electromechanical designs. When an input value, usually current […]
When to use a relay and when to use a contactor?
Contactors are used for switching more than 15 amperes or in circuits rated more than a few kW. Except for optional auxiliary low-current contacts, contactors normally have open contacts and are used in high-power circuits. They include features to control and suppress the arc produced when interrupting heavy currents like those found in motor control […]
Where are cloud connected relays used?
Relays are humble devices, but they are not immune to being impacted by the Internet of Things. Electromechanical relays, solid-state relays, and MEMs relays are among the numerous devices in the IoT that can connect to the cloud. Some relays include Wi-Fi controllers or Bluetooth, some use power over Ethernet (PoE), and others use voice […]
What acronyms relate to MBSE?
Acronyms can be challenging when entering a new engineering discipline, and model-based systems engineering (MBSE) is no exception. In the case of MBSE, numerous acronyms can look very similar, adding to the challenge. It turns out that many of the confusing acronyms are related to software development, not system engineering. That’s because MBSE began as […]
How does object-oriented systems engineering relate to MBSE?
The object-oriented systems engineering method (OOSEM), sometimes referred to as object-oriented systems engineering (OOSE), is a systems-level development method from the Object Management Group (OMG) that combines object-oriented concepts with traditional systems engineering practices. It leverages concepts originally used in object-oriented software development and applies them to systems engineering. This FAQ starts with a review […]
How can MBSE be used in autonomous transportation?
One of the primary uses for model-based systems engineering (MBSE) is the design of complex cyber-physical systems and systems of systems. Autonomous transportation certainly qualifies for that description. MBSE replaces the traditional document-based system engineering process with linked models to represent and analyze systems. The use of MBSE with aircraft and spacecraft is the subject […]
How do SDLC and MLM relate to MBSE?
Depending on the context, SDLC can stand for system development or software development lifecycle. In model base system engineering, the SDLC (sometimes called the Application Development Lifecycle, ADLC) is a multi-stage process for planning, creating, testing, and deploying a system, including requirement analysis, design, development and testing, implementation, documentation, and evaluation. Model lifecycle management (MLM) […]
How do SPDM & PLM support MBSE?
Simulation process and data management (SPDM) is a software tool that manages simulation processes and data across the enterprise and the product lifecycle. In MBSE, SPDM can be used to help build and maintain the digital thread. SPDM provides traceability. It’s related to product lifecycle management (PLM). PLM provides a database for all information related […]
What are the nuances of a good MBSE model?
Model-based systems engineering (MBSE) is a digital modeling approach to the conceptualization, specification, design, verification, and production of cyber-physical systems and systems of systems. In MBSE, models replace the massive paper-based documentation that was the basis of previous systems engineering (SE) approaches. The model provides a single point of truth for all the design and […]