The real core of engineering, in addition to technical expertise, is the ability to articulate the inevitable tradeoffs and pros/cons of design alternatives, and then weigh these relative to each ...

The relay's primary appeal is its ability to do a lesser-switch's bidding but it's capable of so much more. Relays can be wired together to create very useful, simple, and utterly reliable networks.

An RC circuit in series with the coil allows full-current turn-on for reliable relay operation, then reduces the current to save power. Fellow engineer Sanjay R. Chendvankar of Mumbai, India, recently ...