Experiment no 2
TRIAC Characteristics
CO-1: Utilize Triac in different power electronic circuit and compare Triac with
other power semiconductor devices.
LO-4: Perform experiment for Static characteristics of power semiconductor
devices and for Triac auxiliary Circuits.
Objective: - Draw static characteristics of TRIAC
Apparatus required: - TRIAC trainer, multimeters, and connecting wires, etc.
Theory: -
The TRIAC is a three-terminal, four-layer semiconductor device for controlling
current. Its three terminals are MT1, MT2, and the gate (G). TRIAC is the most
widely used member of the thyristor family. It is basically a combination of two
SCRs connected in antiparallel configuration within the same chip. Unlike SCRs,
it is a bidirectional device and can be triggered either by a positive or negative
gate signal. Because of its bidirectional conduction property, TRIAC is widely
used in the field of power electronics for control purposes. TRIAC BT136 is the
most widely used in the fan regulator. Like an SCR, a TRIAC also starts
conducting only when the breakover voltage is reached. Earlier to that, the
leakage current, which is very small in magnitude, flowed through the device, and
therefore it remained in the off state. The first quadrant characteristic is just like
that of an SCR, but in the third quadrant, the characteristics of a TRIAC are
identical to those of its first quadrant, except that, as the polarities of the main
terminals change, the direction of current changes. MT2 is positive with respect
to MT1 in the first quadrant, and if it is negative, it is negative in the quadrant.
When the device starts conducting allows a very heavy amount of current to flow
through it. This high an inrush of current must be limited by using external
resistance, or it may otherwise damage the device. The gate is the control
terminal of the device. By applying proper signal at the gate, the firing angle of
the device can be changed; thus, the phase control process can be achieved. Its
1/6
main limitation in comparison to SCRs is its low power handling capacity. Figure1
shows structure and symbol of TRIAC
Figure1: Structure and Symbol of TRIAC
Figure2: Four Structure and Symbol of TRIAC
2/6
Circuit Diagram:-
Figure 3: MT2 positive w.r.t. MT1 with positive Gate current.
Figure 4: MT2 positive w.r.t. MT1 with negative Gate current.
3/6
Figure 5: MT2 negative w.r.t. MT1 with positive Gate current.
Figure 6: MT2 negative w.r.t. MT1 with negative Gate current.
4/6
I-V Characteristics of Triac: -
Procedure:-
MT2 positive w.r.t. MT1 with positive Gate current.
1. Make the connection as shown in figure 3
2. Very the main DC supply 0 to 100 V and observe firing. Firing occurs when
the main current suddenly increased and the Drop across Triac falls.
MT2 positive w.r.t. MT1 with negative Gate current.
3. Make the connection as shown in figure 4 and repeat step 2
MT2 negative w.r.t. MT1 with positive Gate current.
4. Make the connection as shown in figure 5 and repeat step 2
MT2 negative w.r.t. MT1 with negative Gate current.
5. Make the connection as shown in figure 6 and repeat step 2
Note- Before starting this experiment, apply any known amount of gate current
through 0 – 10 V DC power supply and keep it constant throughout.
5/6
Observation:-
First quadrant operation
S.No. MT2 positive w.r.t. MT1 MT2 positive w.r.t. MT1
with positive Gate current. with negative Gate current.
V I V I
1
2
3
5
6
Third quadrant operation
S.No. MT2 positive w.r.t. MT1 MT2 positive w.r.t. MT1
with positive Gate current. with negative Gate current.
V I V I
2
3
4
5
Conclusion : Triac conduct in both the directions if applied voltage is equal to
or greater than VBO and if not proper Gate current at the lower voltage.
******
6/6
