In relation to automotive relays, how is "duty cycle" defined?

The concept of "duty cycle" in relation to automotive relays refers specifically to the percentage of time that a relay is energized during a given period. This measurement is essential for understanding how often a relay is active compared to the total time frame under consideration.

For example, if a relay is turned on for 30 seconds out of a 1-minute cycle, its duty cycle would be 50%. This metric helps in evaluating the relay's performance, particularly in applications where it may be subjected to repetitive cycles of operation and rest. Engineers need to consider the duty cycle to ensure that the relay can handle the load without overheating or failing due to excessive use.

In contrast, the total time a relay can operate is related to its lifespan but does not specifically define the relationship between the operational time and the total time. The ratio of voltage across the relay is unrelated to the concept of duty cycle, as it measures electrical potential rather than operational timing. Lastly, while the duration of the relay's lifespan is important for reliability, it does not address the operational characteristics that the duty cycle encapsulates.