what are the difference between Diac and Triac
What is a DIAC? A DIAC is a diode that conducts electrical current only after its breakover voltage (VBO) has been reached. DIAC stands for “Diode for Alternating Current”. A DIAC is a device which has two electrodes, and it is a member of the thyristor family. DIACs are used in the triggering of thyristors. The figure below shows a symbol of a DIAC, which resembles the connection of two diodes in series.
The main application of a DIAC is its use in a TRIAC triggering circuit. The DIAC is connected to the gate terminal of the TRIAC. When the voltage across the gate decreases below a predetermined value, the gate voltage will be zero and hence the TRIAC will be turned off.
1. It can be used in the lamp dimmer circuit
2. It is used in a heat control circuit
3. It is used in the speed control of a universal motor
What is a scr?
SCRs are constructed from silicon and are most commonly used for converting AC current to DC current (rectification), hence the name Silicon controlled rectifier. They are also used in other applications such as regulation of power, inversion, etc. The SCRs have an ability to handle high value of current and Voltage hence they are used in most of the industrial applications.
SCR Applications:
1. The silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) is used in AC voltage stabilizers.
2. The silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) is used as switch.
3. It is used in choppers.
4. The silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) is used in inverters.
5. The silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) is used for power control.
6. It is used for DC circuit breaker.
8. It is used to Adjust light dimmer.
9. It is used to control motors speed.
10. The SCR is used in pulse circuit.
11. It is used for AC power control with solid relay.
What are DIAC and TRIAC?
We know that thyristor is a half-wave device like a diode and that will supply only half power. A Triac device comprises two thyristors that are connected in opposite directions but in parallel but, it is controlled by the same gate. Triac is a 2-dimensional thyristor that is activated on both halves of the i/p AC cycle using + Ve or -Ve gate pulses. The three terminals of the Triac are MT1; MT2 & gate terminal (G). Generating pulses are applied between MT1 and gate terminals. The ‘G’ current to switch 100A from triac is not more than 50mA or so.
Difference between DIAC and TRIAC
S NO | DIAC | TRIAC |
1 | The DIAC is “Diode for the alternating current”. | The TRIAC is “Triode for the alternating current”. |
2 | DIAC includes two terminals | TRIAC includes three terminals |
3 | It is a bi-directional and uncontrolled device | It is a bi-directional and controlled device. |
4 | This name is derived from the combination of DI + AC, where DI means 2 & AC means alternating current. | This name is derived from the combination of TRI + AC, where TRI means 3 & AC means alternating current. |
5 | It can control both positive and negative half cycles of AC signal input. | DIAC can be switched from its off state to ON state for either polarity of the applied voltage. |
6 | The DIAC construction can be done either in NPN otherwise PNP form | The construction of TRIAC can be done with two separate devices of SCR. |
7 | It doesn’t have a firing angle | The firing angle of this device ranges from 0-180° & 180°-360°. |
8 | This device plays a key role inactivate the TRIAC | This device is used to control the fan, light dimmer, etc. |
9 | It has three layers | It has five layers |
10 | The advantages of DIAC are, it can be activated by decreasing the level of voltage under its breakdown voltage. Triggering circuit using DIAC is cheap | The advantages of TRIAC are, It can work through the +Ve as well as -Ve polarity of pulses. It uses a single fuse for protection. A secure breakdown can be possible in both directions. |
11 | The disadvantages of DIAC are, it is a low-power device and doesn’t include a control terminal. | The disadvantages of TRIAC are, it is not reliable. As compared with SCR, these have low- ratings. When operating this circuit, we need to be cautious as it can activate in any direction. |
12 | The applications of DIAC mainly include different circuits like lamp dimmer, heater control, universal motor speed control, etc. | The applications of TRIAC mainly include control circuits, fans controlling, AC phase control, switching of high-power lamps, and controlling AC power. |
All experiments should be designed and verified through simulation tools like Multisim.
1. Zener diode (Forward and Reverse bias characteristics)
2. Rectifier circuits ( Half wave, Full wave, Bridge rectifier with filters)
3. Power supply with Zener diode as Regulator
4. Common Base transistor output characteristics
5. Common emitter amplifier (Implementation of Current Series negative feedback)
6. Emitter follower (Implementation of Voltage Series negative feedback)
7. RC Coupled amplifier (Implementation of the concept of multistage amplifier)
8. Clippers and Clampers
9. RC Phase shift oscillator (Medium frequency Sine wave generators)
10. Hartley oscillator (High frequency Sine wave generator)
11. Astable Multivibrator (Square or Rectangular wave generator)
12. Gate triggering of SCR with various gate currents.