Abstract: A solid state relay includes a power semiconductor controlled by a gate electrode. A current detector provides a signal which is a function of the absolute value of the current through the power semiconductor. An evaluation circuit coupled to the current detector receives the current signal. The current detector may include a ferromagnetic core surrounding a conductor coupled to the power semiconductor, a coil wound around the core, and an oscillator generating a carrier signal and a detection circuit, both coupled to the core. The current detector is used to control latching of the relay and to generate status signals if predetermined parameters are exceeded.