Differences

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--- glossary:glossary_s [2018/09/26 20:15] – Bob Vetterlein
+++ glossary:glossary_s [2019/02/01 10:45] – [Switch] WortingUK
@@ Line 184: / Line 184: @@
 ===== Switch =====
+A 'Switch' can have several meanings:
-A 'Switch' can have two prime engineering meanings:\\
+. The simplest is an electrical switch, as in 'Light Switch' which is a mechanically operated device used for connecting or disconnecting electrical circuits. Such switches can have many contacts and become quite complex.\\
-The simplest is an electrical switch, as in 'Light Switch' which is a mechanically operated device used for connecting or disconnecting electrical circuits. Such switches can have many contacts and become quite complex.\\
-The second meaning is the American term for a turnout or the English 'Points'…this being the scheme to allow a railway track to diverge or converge with another route. It allows the path of the train to be 'switched' from one route to another.
+. Electronic switch such as a transistor, FET or TRIAC. A semi conductor which goes from a very high resistance to a very low resistance when a control input changes.
+. Electro mechanical switch such as a relay or a contactor. A switch operated by a lower powered circuit.
+. American term for a turnout or the English 'Points'…this being the scheme to allow a railway track to diverge or converge with another route. It allows the path of the train to be 'switched' from one route to another.
 ===== Switch machine =====