What is the difference between a load switch and a relay?

There are some distinctions between load switches and relays, two electrical components used in switching circuits.

An integrated circuit created especially to switch electricity to a load, like a motor or lightbulb, is called a load switch. Usually, a transistor is included to regulate current flow and safeguard against overload. Because they require less power and space, load switches are frequently seen in portable electronics.

Conversely, a relay is an electromechanical device that mechanically turns on or off a circuit using an electromagnet. It has a coil that, when current flows through it, creates a magnetic field that opens or closes the switch contacts. Because they can withstand higher currents and voltages than load switches, relays are frequently utilized in industrial and automotive applications.

In conclusion, relays are electromechanical devices that employ an electromagnetic field to turn circuits on or off, whereas load switches are electronic components made expressly to switch power to a load.