Im trying to use a static relay for the first time. It is an HFS5, supposed to turn on/off at ~5V.
Soldering is not clean but I have triple checked with a multimeter that the connections are ok on lines 1, 2, 3 and 4, that the relay's pins are connected to the lines and that there are no shorts.
1 and 2 are connected to a tablet's 5V DC charger and I checked the voltage is ok on the HFS's input.
However, when I plug in the charger / putting 5V between lines 1 and 2, the connection does not happen between lines 3 and 4 (checking with the multimeter again)
Any idea what can be wrong in your experience ?
Best Answer
The relay is a photo triac circuit and the "contact closure" may not be easily proven with a multimeter because there will likely be not enough voltage generated by the multimeter test leads to overcome the forward volt drop of the triac when it conducts.
Here's the general idea: -
http://www1017.vu.lt/legacy/pfk/funkc_dariniai/images/triac_iv.gif
Without significant current to pass the minimum holding current (a few mA) the meter is unlikely to register anything other than a bit of leakage current. Also if you read the data sheet, the load current range is 0.1 A to 2C and no way will your meter meet the minimum requirement.
Having said all this, please double check you have the photodiode polarity correct - if you think this has been wired incorrectly at any time there is a possibility the device is damaged beyond repair.