Quote:
Originally Posted by Alan Anderson
Where did you find this information? It's totally wrong.
Spike relay modules contain a pair of simple physical relays that use a pair of logic level signals to independently switch each relay's output between the 12 volt power and "ground" return inputs. When wired to motors, both relays are usually connected in an H-bridge configuration, but they don't have to be used that way. They are just as easily used as separate circuits, such as when powering LEDs or pneumatic solenoid valves.
Pulsing them is not recommended, as they are rated for a finite number of cycles and are likely to fail either electrically or mechanically.
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If this is the case the documentation is not consistent, and in that case your criticism of the idea is quite valid:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:As...novation_First
"The Spike relay, available in mechanical and solid state models"
In any case the flaky documentation aside (here's a video of PWM driving a solid state relay...it's not ideal but under just the right circumstances it'll work):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LL2Sryi57xA
I suspect that the confusion was caused because Innovation FIRST does sell a solid state module, but I don't see any evidence that it's called a Spike relay.
The Red Spike seems to have had no reverse polarity protection according to what I could find.
The Blue Spike fixed that apparently.
If that's incorrect please do correct me because Innovation FIRST Spikes are not something I usually mess around with, so my experience with all the flavors is limited.