As system voltages continue to rise, relay technology is aiming to simplify switching while improving efficiency, reliability, and response speed.
OMRON Europe has expanded its solid state relay portfolio with two new silicon carbide MOSFET relay series designed for high voltage power switching and testing applications. The new devices, rated at 1800V and 3300V, support bus and battery voltages of up to 1000V and beyond, addressing the growing demand for higher voltage architectures in electrification, industrial automation, and energy systems.
As engineers increase system voltages to improve energy efficiency and reduce conductor size and weight, conventional silicon based relays face limitations in handling these operating conditions. The relays are designed to provide reliable switching at elevated voltages while offering a smaller footprint and longer operational life than traditional reed relays.
Target applications include industrial motor drives, factory automation equipment, solar and wind energy installations, energy storage systems for ground fault detection, and automated test equipment used for evaluating wide bandgap power semiconductor devices.
The G3VH series integrates back to back silicon carbide MOSFETs with an optically isolated gate driver inside a compact DIP 6 package. The low internal capacitance enables efficient high speed switching, with turn on times of 1ms or 2ms and turn off in as little as 0.2ms. The silicon carbide devices also offer high dV/dt tolerance and thermal resilience, supporting stable operation under demanding electrical and temperature conditions.
The portfolio includes the G3VH 331, rated for 3300V with a continuous load current of 300mA, pulse current of 900mA, and an on resistance of 3.5Ω. The G3VH 181 supports 1800V operation with continuous current up to 30mA, pulse current of 80mA, and 120Ω on resistance. Both series feature normally open SPST contacts and are available in surface mount and through hole package options.
Click here for the official announcement.
