Solid State Relays have been reliable workhorses in many designs and systems. Invented in the 1970’s by Opto 22 founder Robert (Bob) Engman, these devices continue to offer engineers a sure way to switch a low voltage to a higher voltage. After nearly 50 years experience in the industrial automation and control industry, Mr. Engman will soon be stepping down as President and CEO of Opto 22, turning the company over to his son, Mark Engman, who will become Executive Vice President and COO.
Engman founded Opto 22 in 1974. The company struck it big early with the invention of the very first liquid epoxy-filled “hockey puck”-style solid-state relays. Three years later, the company was the largest manufacturer of solid state relays in the US, and continues to offer enhancements to this reliable device, such as the addition of LEDs, which turn on when a control signal is applied. The liquid epoxy filled 240Di10, 240Di25, 240Di45, and 575Di45-12 SSRs give engineers an easy to read indication of the status of specific control processes or provide a visual aid in troubleshooting systems. The relays provide 4,000 V of optical isolation. These RoHS compliant devices are available in a variety of voltages, from 110 to 575, and current options from 3 to 45A.
Engman has always worked to instill in his company a philosophy of technological ingenuity and innovation. Opto 22 became the original designer and developer of the I/O module (and many of its related technologies) and also heralded distributed, PC-based I/O as the technology path to follow. Under his guidance, Opto 22 remained a privately held company focused on avoiding distractions, bucking conventions, and designing, developing, marketing, and supporting its products in the best ways possible. Proudly maintaining a very flat organizational structure and a “hands-off” style of management, Engman has spent the last 32 years growing Opto 22 into a company and a brand now recognized worldwide for its quality and reliability.
Opto22
www.opto22.com
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Filed Under: Relays
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