The use of permanent magnets and adjustment principles in miniaturizing modern relays

Besides their main function of providing flux, permanent magnets - especially ferrites - can be utilized in a number of different ways. In the course of relay miniaturization the permanent magnet´s functions increase therefore in complexity and number, which results in considerably better matching of magnetic circuits and improved sensitivity to operating current. The multifunctional properties of the permanent magnets are discussed and explained using several designs of miniaturized relays - preferably bistable relays - as examples. Mechanical variations due to production processes can be compensated for by optimized more efficient adjustment methods. Therefore the required functional values can be obtained more reliably and economically. Due to miniaturization relays will continue to be used in a large number of electronic circuit applications.