Abstract: A relay control circuit and method for closing a contact in response to an input signal received at a starting time. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a rapidly increasing electrical current is applied to the coil during an initial time period beginning at the starting time in response to the input signal, whereby a rapidly increasing force is applied to the contact to move the contact towards a closed position. The electrical current applied to the coil is decreased after the initial time period and maintained above a predetermined minimum magnitude until the contact is closed.

Abstract: A voltage input circuit for providing an output in response to an input signal. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, an output having a first state and a second state is generated. The output is switched from the first state to the second state when a capacitor is charged for a first predetermined time period by the input signal having a magnitude greater than a first predetermined threshold magnitude. The capacitor is disabled to prevent the output from switching from the first state to the second state if the input signal falls below the first predetermined threshold magnitude during the first time period. The output is switched from the second state to the first state when the input signal has a magnitude less than a second predetermined threshold magnitude for a second predetermined time period.