Electronic – Current booster for relay

currentmicrocontrollernpnrelay

I have a DC power source which can provide up to 5V, 50mA (LabJack maximum output current, voltage bus-powered) and I want to power my relay (SDT-S-105LMR2,000) with 5V, 100mA.
I have an option to use NPN transistor with a DC current gain of approximately 2, but the 0.7V voltage drop is not that nice.

First question – Is the circuit logic correct (more attention on the added current booster)?

Second question – Because I am building 16 channel relay board, is there more convenient option for boosting the current for each of the relay (preferably less components)?

Third question – Will the LabJack supplied power will be a good enough source for 16 relays (working at different times)?

schematic

simulate this circuit – Schematic created using CircuitLab

Best Answer

You can't in the way you try it. Your source is 250mW, your relay requires 500mW. You have not got enough energy.

A transistor can amplify current but not out of thin air. It needs to come from somewhere.

What you can try is to see what the relay hold current is. It is often much lower then the 'attack'* or "pick" current. In that cause you might store energy in a capacitor and use that to get the relay to 'start' en then your 50mA may be enough to 'hold' it.

*I can't remember if that is the right term...