EM or electromechanical devices feature a combination of mechanical and electrical engineering. More specifically, EM devices are mechanical actions that need electricity to function. As such, the two systems – mechanical and electrical – interact with each other. Through electric signals, mechanical movements are created, which in turn produces more electric signals.
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EM also relies on electromagnetic principles, like what is applied in relays (electrically-operated switches). In the earlier days, EM devices were popular choices for clocks, electric typewriters, the early edition of digital computers, teleprinters, and some television systems.
The newer products and equipment that use electromechanical devices include washing machines, photocopiers, traffic lights, and cash registers. Power plants also benefit from EM as their machines use relays for shutting down during emergency situations. Vehicle systems, micro-electromechanical systems, and handheld photographic devices also use electromechanical devices.
Switches and Relays
Switches are essential components for the complete function of electronic circuits. More popularly known as electrical or electronic switches, these electromechanical devices have a variety of purposes, the most significant of which is allowing a circuit to be switched on and off by interrupting it. Rocker switch, toggle switch, push button switch, DIP switch, slider switch, and rotary switch are the different types of electromechanical switches.
Relays, on the other hand, are similar to switches in the sense that they are also power switching devices. However, relays do not need to manually close and open the switch; they only need a small amount of or low-power electrical signal.
Sensors & Transducers
Sensors are devices that detect and respond to signals created by certain energies, such as a chemical reaction, light, heat, and motion. The signals are then converted into a digital or analog input.
Transducers are devices that convert an energy form into a different one. A common example of a transducer is a microphone, as it transforms sound energy into electrical energy or impulses. If you use a speaker, the impulses are then converted to sound.
Automation and Process Control
Automation and process control is utilized in different industries, particularly in automatically controlling the circumstances of how certain products are created. It makes use of control engineering techniques and disciplines in ensuring a continuous, interruption-free production process. In engineering, automation and process control is used for ensuring functional, reliable, and efficient machineries.
Cooling and Thermal Management
Cooling and thermal management guarantees the safety of devices, specifically against fire. Basically, this concept refers to the methods that designers and engineers utilize to various heat transfer modes (when transferring heat from one source to another). There are passive and active solutions.
Enclosures, Racks, and Cabinets
Enclosures, racks, and cabinets provide protection for mounting displays, knobs, and mount switches. They protect both the content and users. Some enclosures offer additional features such as electrostatic discharge, radio frequency interference, and heat dissipation. These electrical equipment are designed with aesthetic values.