Difference between SPDT and DPDT


SPDT (single pole double throw) and DPDT (double pole double throw) switches are two typical types of switches used in electronic circuits. The primary difference between the two is the number of poles (the number of individual circuits that the switch can control) and the number of throws (the number of places the switch may be set to).

SPDT switches have one pole and two throws, whereas DPDT switches have two poles and two throws. This means that an SPDT switch can control one circuit and can be set to one of two positions, whereas a DPDT switch can control two separate circuits and can be set to one of two locations for each circuit.

Read this article to find out more about SPDT and DPDT and how they are different from each other.

What is SPDT?

SPDT is an abbreviation for Single Pole Double Throw. It is a sort of switch that is often used to control the flow of electricity in electronic circuits. The SPDT switch has three terminals labelled Common (COM), Normally Open (NO), and Normally Closed (NC).

SPDT switches can be used to manage the power to a single circuit or device, among other things. An SPDT switch can be used as an on/off switch for a light or a fan, with the input terminal connected to a power source and the output terminals connected to the light or fan.

The common terminal is the centre terminal, which is connected to the power source or load. The normally open terminal is connected to the power supply, and the normally closed terminal is connected to the load. When the switch is in the "on" position, a connection is created between the Common and Normally Open terminals. When the switch is in the "off" position, a connection is created between the common and normally closed terminals.

SPDT switches are a versatile form of switch that is widely used in electronic circuits. They have three terminals: a common terminal, a normally open terminal, and a normally closed terminal. The suitable terminal connections are determined by the application in which the switch is going to be used.

What is DPDT?

Double Pole Double Throw (DPDT) is a type of switch that is often used in electronic circuits. There are two input, or pole, terminals and two output, or throw, terminals in a DPDT switch. Both input terminals are connected to the first output terminals while the switch is in one position, and both input terminals are connected to the second output terminals when the switch is in the other position.

A DPDT switch functions similarly to an SPDT switch, with two levers or toggles that move between two positions. There are two moving contacts connected to the levers and four stationary contacts connected to the output terminals inside the switch. When the levers are in one position, the two moveable contacts are connected to the first pair of stationary contacts, and when the levers are in the other position, the two moveable contacts are connected to the second pair of stationary contacts.

DPDT switches are also commonly used to select between two separate inputs or signals for a single output. A DPDT switch, for example, can be used to select between two separate audio sources for a single amplifier or set of speakers. Each input terminal is connected to the switch's output, which selects the right source, and the output terminals are connected to the amplifier or speakers.

Difference between SPDT and DPDT

The following table highlights the major differences between SPDT and DPDT −

Characteristics

SPDT

DPDT

Stands for

Single Pole Double Throw (SPDT)

Double Pole Double Throw (DPDT)

Number of Poles

1

2

Number of Throws

2

2

Number of Circuits Controlled

1

2

Applications

On/Off Switch, Audio Source Selector, and Signal Switcher

Motor direction reversal, power source selector, and two-circuit control

Number of Terminals

3

6

Conclusion

In conclusion, both SPDT and DPDT switches are extensively used in electronic circuits, but their functionality is determined by the number of poles and throws. SPDT switches have one pole and two throws, but DPDT switches have two poles and two throws and can control two separate circuits. The switch used will depend on the circuit's specific requirements as well as the number of circuits that must be controlled.

Updated on: 02-May-2023

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