Suppressing relay coil transients with bifilar winding

摘要

The voltage spike generated by the collapsing field of an electromagnetic relay coil may reach a potential of over 1000 volts. This transient, if not suppressed, may cause malfunction or damage in the associated circuit, particularly in the device used to deenergize the relay coil. Explained here is bifilar winding of the relay coil as a technique for transient suppression. A comparison is made between this and other techniques. The conclusion is drawn that bifilar winding is the superior method for aerospace applications.