board
info
compare to - SSR-relay-dat
Type: Bidirectional semiconductor device.
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Structure: Basically two thyristors connected in inverse parallel in a single package.
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Operation: Can conduct current in both directions when triggered.
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Turn-off: Turns off when AC current crosses zero (natural commutation).
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Applications:
- AC light dimmers
- Fan speed control
- AC motor control
- Household appliance controllers
- AC light dimmers
3. Key Differences Table
| Feature | Thyristor (SCR) | TRIAC |
|---|---|---|
| Current flow | One direction (unidirectional) | Both directions (bidirectional) |
| Main use | DC or controlled rectifiers | AC control (dimmers, speed control) |
| Gate trigger | Positive gate with respect to cathode | Triggerable in both polarities |
| Structure | PNPN (4 layers) | Two SCRs in anti-parallel |
| Commutation | Needs forced or natural | Natural at AC zero-crossing |
✅ Summary:
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Thyristor = one-way switch (mainly for DC).
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TRIAC = two-way switch (mainly for AC).
TRIAC Comparison Table
| Feature | BT136 | BTA12 | BTA16 | BT138 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum Voltage (V) | 600V | 600V | 600V | 600V |
| Maximum Current (A) | 4A | 12A | 16A | 12A |
| Gate Trigger Current (Igt) | 5mA | 35mA | 35mA | 10mA |
| Holding Current (Ih) | 2mA | 25mA | 25mA | 15mA |
| Thermal Resistance (Rth) | 75°C/W | 60°C/W | 60°C/W | 75°C/W |
| Package Type | TO-220 | TO-220 | TO-220 | TO-220 |
| Applications | General-purpose AC switching | Light dimmers, motor controls | High-power AC switching | General-purpose AC switching |
TRIAC
A TRIAC is a bidirectional, three-electrode AC switch that allows electrons to flow in either direction. It is the equivalent of two SCRs connected in a reverse-parallel arrangement with gates connected to each other. A TRIAC is triggered into conduction in both directions by a gate signal like that of an SCR.
SCR
SCR stands for Silicon Controlled Rectifier. It is a three-terminal device that is used to control the flow of current.
Demo
https://t.me/electrodragon3/198
intro of triac
A TRIAC (Triode for Alternating Current) is a type of semiconductor device that is used to control the flow of electrical power. It is essentially a bidirectional thyristor, meaning it can conduct current in both directions when triggered, making it particularly useful for AC (alternating current) applications.
Key points about TRIAC:
- Bidirectional: Unlike a regular thyristor (which only conducts in one direction), a TRIAC can control the current flow in both directions, making it ideal for AC power control.
- Triggering: It can be triggered by a small current applied to its gate, after which it allows current to pass through it until the current drops below a certain threshold.
- Applications: TRIACs are commonly used in light dimmers, motor speed controls, and other devices where AC power needs to be modulated.
In short, a TRIAC is a specific type of thyristor designed for efficient AC power control.
TRIAC
https://www.electrodragon.com/w/Category:TRIAC
chips
- BT136 DS - https://www.mouser.com/datasheet/2/848/bt136-600e-1520534.pdf
- BTA16 DS - https://www.mouser.com/datasheet/2/848/BTA16-600B-1375641.pdf
demos
- arduino control with large triac - https://t.me/electrodragon3/198
- arduino control SCU1041-dat - https://t.me/electrodragon3/185
simple ON OFF drive - TRIAC-dat drive by BT136-dat == https://x.com/electric_4u/status/2054848924779962638
thyristor = 可控硅
It is a type of semiconductor device used for controlling high-power electric signals, often in switching applications.
MOC Triac driver
| Feature | MOC3020 (Random-Phase) | MOC3021 (Random-Phase) | MOC3063 (Zero-Cross) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Triggering Behavior | Random-phase (non–zero–cross); triggers at any point in AC cycle | Random-phase (non–zero–cross); similar to MOC3020 but optimized for lower LED drive | Zero–cross; triggers only near the AC waveform’s zero point, reducing EMI and inrush current |
| LED Trigger Current | Typical trigger current ~30 mA | Typical trigger current ~15 mA | Optimized for zero–cross operation (exact value varies per datasheet) |
| Applications | Phase–control applications (lamp dimmers, motor controls) | Phase–control applications where a lower drive current is desired | AC switching (solid state relays, noise reduction, on/off control) |
| Isolation Voltage | 5,000 Vrms | 5,000 Vrms | 5,000 Vrms |
| Off-State Output Voltage | Minimum 400 V | Minimum 400 V | Minimum 400 V |
| dV/dt Rating | Typically ≥1000 V/µs | Typically ≥1000 V/µs | May be optimized for zero–cross switching (check datasheet for specifics) |
unsort
BT137-600E - 4Q Triac