What type of coils do relays generally consist of?

Relays typically consist of a single coil, which is responsible for creating a magnetic field when energized. This magnetic field then operates the armature – a movable component that opens or closes the relay contacts. The single coil design is efficient and provides a straightforward mechanism for controlling a circuit.

The single coil setup allows for easier design and implementation in electronic systems, as it simplifies the control circuitry needed to operate the relay. While some specialized relays might utilize multiple coils for particular functionalities (like dual coil latching relays), the standard relay configuration most commonly found is indeed the single coil design. This simplicity is one reason it is the predominant choice in many applications.