| abstract |
The disclosure relates to high gain electrical relays which are operable at very low power levels and which, when arranged in a relay system with impedance matching to an energizing power source, are operable at the low power levels used in energizing integrated circuits. The relays utilize nickel-titanium alloy wires which are conditioned and arranged to display sharp, reversible changes in shape and modulus of elasticity as the wires are heated and cooled through a temperature transition range, the alloy wires being disposed, preferably with impedance matching means between the wires and energizing power sources, to be heated through the noted transition temperature range by directing current from such low power sources through the wires, thereby to initiate relay operation. The relay construction provides unusually high gain so that relay operation from such low power sources is effective for regulating operation of various types of components used in electrical apparatus. |