Smart Power Product Accessories

Zero Current Switching (ZCS) ensures that a relay contact is closed at the zero crossing and opened at the precise moment when zero current flows through it. This has a number of advantages for smart power devices using relay switching techniques. With less potential harm from inrush currents, there is less wear on the relay itself and greater protection for connected switch mode power supplies (SMPS). There is also significantly reduced electromagnetic interference from repeated switching On/Off. Opening a relay contact when the current is zero is important for inductive loads (motors, transformers) but less so for capacitive loads including switch mode power supplies (SMPS) of the type found in computers, servers and IT network peripherals.

Zero Voltage Switching (ZVS) switches when the voltage is zero and is different to Zero Current Switching (ZCS) which switches when the voltage and current are both zero; referred to as the “zero-crossing” in a sinewave. ZVS is easier to implement into relay-based devices and whilst it works well for capacitive loads (switch mode power supplies). Zero voltage switching is not suitable for inductive loads including transformers and motors. Closing a relay contact when the voltage is zero is important for switching power supplies (switch mode power supplies: SMPS) of the type found in modern IT, computer and server loads.

An application program interface or API is way for separate software applications to exchange data and communicate between themselves. An API includes a set of routines, protocols and tools and specifies how these software components should interact i.e. when programming a graphical user interface (GUI).