Electronic Timer vs. Electromechanical Timer

A timer may have many functions and applications within manufacturing processes. Eagle Signal’s electronic timer and electromechanical timer products are designed primarily to track or control time-based applications such as run-time and event processes. However, choosing the right kind of timer (electromechanical timer or electronic timer) depends on application specifics: Does the application only require monitoring, or does it require an output/control action as well?
Eagle-Signal timers come in two main varieties: electromechanical timer or electronic timer designs:

Electromechanical Timer

Electromechanical timer models are characterized by their ruggedness and simple efficiency. An electromechanical timer may take the form of an On Delay, off delay, interval timer or Repeat Cycle device. In addition, an electromechanical timer is characteristically long-lived. An electromechanical timer would not be ideal if space was a concern (due to their larger physical size) or where a non-fixed time range is required.

Electronic Timer

An electronic timer would be the timer of choice when fast, high precision accuracy and event feedback are required. In contrast to electromechanical timer models, an electronic timer is more compact and also more complex. If feedback/output control functions are required (in terms of an alarm or another pre-programmed event), an electronic timer is a better fit than an electromechanical timer. Each electronic timer offers digital programmability and a choice of LED or LCD display as well as multifunction and long time ranges. These programmable timer solutions are available in many forms to meet many different needs:

• time indicators
• reset timers
• repeat cycle timers
• Multi-function timers

Electronic timer models are more complex yet relatively easy to maintain. Each programmable timer is rugged and requires minimal maintenance. Some units are sensitive to environmental forces such as physical shock. Specific limitations and differences between programmable electronic timers and electromechanical timer devices are detailed in the programmable table below.

Eagle-Signal ™	Programmable Timer Technology Matrix
	ELECTROMECHANICAL TIMER	ELECTRONIC TIMER
Types	Time Totalizer (Hourmeter) Preset / Predetermine Repeat Cycle Timer Sequencer	Time Totalizer (Hourmeter) Preset / Predetermine Repeat Cycle Timer
Sizes	Various Panel Cutout	All popular panel mount sizes including. 1/32, 1/16 or 1/8 DIN
Mounting Base	Front to Panel (FTP) and Surface Mount	Front to Panel (FTP) DIN Rail, or surface Mount
Accuracy/stability	Fixed	Adjustable
Cost	Low – Moderate	Moderate – High
Features / Functionality	Low – Moderate	Moderate – High
Time Modes	Preset / Reset Repeat Cycle Sequencer	Preset / Multi-function Repeat Cycle
Ease of Use	Simple – Moderate	Simple – Moderate
Options	Simple – Moderate	Moderate – High