10/24/21, 12:19 PM DIAC and TRIAC - Working, Differences & Their Applications

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Difference between DIAC and TRIAC : Wo

& Their Characteristics
There are several applications where it is preferred to regulate the power fed to a load. For
electrical methods controlling the speed of a motor or fan. But, these methods do not al
over the flow of power in a system additionally; there is an extensive wastage of power. In t
such devices have been developed which can allow fine control over the flow of large block
system. These devices perform as controlled switches and can complete the duties
rectification, regulation, and inversion of power in a load. The essential semiconductor sw
are UJT, SCR, DIAC, and TRIAC. Earlier we have studied the basic electrical and electron
such as transistors, capacitors, diodes, etc. But, to understand the switching devices like S
triac we have to know about the thyristor. A thyristor is one type of semiconductor devic
three or more terminals. It is unidirectional similar to a diode but switched like a transistor
used to control high voltages and currents in motors, heating, and lighting applications.

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10/24/21, 12:19 PM DIAC and TRIAC - Working, Differences & Their Applications

Difference between Diac and Triac

The differences between DIAC and triac mainly include what are a DIAC and TRIAC,
TRIAC and DIAC, working, characteristics and applications. The symbols of DIAC and TR
below.

Difference between Diac and Triac

What are DIAC and TRIAC?

We know that thyristor is a half-wave device like a diode and that will supply only half
device comprises two thyristors that are connected in opposite directions but in parallel but
by the same gate. Triac is a 2-dimensional thyristor that is activated on both halves of th
using + Ve or -Ve gate pulses. The three terminals of the Triac are MT1; MT2 & gat

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10/24/21, 12:19 PM DIAC and TRIAC - Working, Differences & Their Applications

Generating pulses are applied between MT1 and gate terminals. The ‘G’ current to switch
is not more than 50mA or so.

The DIAC is a bi-directional semiconductor switch that can be switched on in both polaritie
of the name DIAC is a diode alternating current. DIAC is connected back to back using tw
and the main application of this DIAC is, it is widely used to help even activating of a TRIAC
AC switches, dimmer applications, and starter circuits for fluorescent lamps.

Construction and Operation of DIAC

Basically, the DIAC is a two-terminal device; it is a combination of parallel semiconductor la
activating in one direction. This device is used to activating the device for the triac. The ba
of DIAC consists of two terminals namely MT1 and MT2. When the MT1 terminal is des
respect to the terminal MT2, the transmission will take place to the p-n-p-n structure that
layer diode. The DIAC can be performing for both the direction. Then the symbol of the DI
transistor.

DIAC Construction

The DIAC is basically a diode that conducts after a ‘break-over voltage, selected VBO, an
When the diode surpasses the break-over voltage, then it goes into the negative dynamic re
region. This causes a reduction in the voltage drop across the diode with rising voltage. So
increase in the current level that is mannered by the device.

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10/24/21, 12:19 PM DIAC and TRIAC - Working, Differences & Their Applications

The diode leftovers in its transmission state until the current through it falls below, wha
holding current, which is usually chosen by the letters IH. The holding current, the DIAC re
conducting state. Its behavior is bidirectional and thus its function takes place on bot
alternating cycle.

Characteristics of DIAC

V-I characteristics of a DIAC are shown below.

The volt-ampere characteristic of a DIAC is shown in the figure. It looks like a letter Z due
switching characteristics for each polarity of the applied voltage.

DIAC Characteristics

The DIAC performs like an open-circuit until its switching is exceeded. At that position, the
until its current decreases toward zero. Because of its abnormal construction, doesn’t switc
low voltage condition at a low current level like the triac or SCR, once it goes into the tra
diac preserves an almost continuous –Ve resistance characteristic, which means, voltage re

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10/24/21, 12:19 PM DIAC and TRIAC - Working, Differences & Their Applications

enlarge in the current. This means that, unlike the triac and the SCR, the DIAC cannot b
maintain a low voltage drop until its current falls below the level of holding current.

Construction and Operation of TRIAC

TRIAC is a three-terminal device and the terminals of the triac are MT1, MT2, and Gate
terminal is the control terminal. The flow of current in the triac is bi-directional which mea
flow in both directions. The structure of TRIAC is shown in the below figure. Here, in the st
two SCRs are connected in the antiparallel and it will act as a switch for both directions
structure, the MT1 and gate terminals are near to each other. When the gate terminal is op
obstruct both the polarities of the voltage across the MT1 & MT2.

TRIAC Construction

To know more about TRIAC please follow the below link: TRIAC – Definition, Applications &

Characteristics of TRIAC

The V-I characteristics of TRIAC are discussed below.

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10/24/21, 12:19 PM DIAC and TRIAC - Working, Differences & Their Applications

TRIAC Characteristics

The triac is designed with two SCRs which are fabricated in the opposite direction in
operating characteristics of triac in the 1st and 3rd quadrants are similar but for the dire
current and applied voltage.

The V-I characteristics of triac in the first and third quadrants are basically equal to those o
first quadrant.

It can function with either +Ve or –Ve gate control voltage but in typical operation gen
voltage is +Ve in the first quadrant and -Ve in the third quadrant.

The supply voltage of the triac to switch ON depends upon the gate current. This allows ut
regulate AC power in a load from zero to full power in a smooth and permanent manner wit
device control.

Why DIAC is used with TRIAC?

The main purpose of using DIAC with TRIAC is, TRIAC device does not fire symmetrically t
slight difference between the two halve of the device. The non-symmetrical firing, as well as
waveforms, can give an increase to the unnecessary harmonics generation. The less symm
waveform increases the harmonic generation level. To solve the issues which result from the
nonsymmetrical process, a DIAC is frequently arranged in series through the gate.

This DIAC device assists in making the switching more for both halves of the cycle. So the s
characteristic of this device is far more as compared with the TRIAC. As the DIAC stops any

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10/24/21, 12:19 PM DIAC and TRIAC - Working, Differences & Their Applications

supply when the trigger voltage reaches a certain voltage within any direction, then this will
TRIAC firing point more in both directions also. So, DIACs may be frequently used with the
terminal.

These are extensively used components in conjunction with TRIACs to balance their switch
characteristics. So, when the switching AC signals are reduced. Then the level of harmonics
Although, two thyristors are normally used for large applications. But the combination of DIA
extremely helpful for lower-power applications like light dimmers, and many more

DIAC/TRIAC Power Control

The power circuit of DIAC/TRIAC is shown below. This circuit starts works when the capacit
charging throughout the +Ve half cycle. Once the capacitor gets charged upto Vc, then the D
component will start conduction. When the DIAC activates, it provides a pulse toward the ga
the TRIAC because of where the TRIAC starts conduction as well as current supplies throug
In the negative half cycle, the capacitor will charge in opposite polarity.

Power Control Circuit

Once the charging of the capacitor is done upto Vc, the DIAC will start conducting to provide
TRIAC, then the current will supply throughout the RL. We know that the DIAC working can
two polarities because the two connections of two diodes can be done in parallel with each
conducts on both polarities. The DIAC output can be given to the gate terminal of the TRIAC
to make the TRIAC ON conduct so that the load-like lamp will be turned ON.

Difference between DIAC and TRIAC

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10/24/21, 12:19 PM DIAC and TRIAC - Working, Differences & Their Applications

The difference between DIAC and TRIAC includes the following.

DIAC TRIAC
The acronym of the DIAC is “Diode for the The acronym of the TRIAC is “Triode f
alternating current”. alternating current”.

DIAC includes two terminals TRIAC includes three terminals

It is a bi-directional and uncontrolled device It is a bi-directional and controlled dev

This name is derived from the combination of DI + This name is derived from the combin
AC, where DI means 2 & AC means alternating AC, where TRI means 3 & AC means
current. current.
It can control both positive and negative half cycles DIAC can be switched from its off sta
of AC signal input. for either polarity of the applied voltag
The DIAC construction can be done either in NPN The construction of TRIAC can be don
otherwise PNP form separate devices of SCR.
It has less power handling capacity It has a high power handling capacity
It doesn’t have a firing angle The firing angle of this device ranges f
180°-360°.
This device plays a key role inactivate the TRIAC This device is used to control the fan,
etc.
It has three layers It has five layers
The advantages of DIAC are, it can be activated by The advantages of TRIAC are, It can w
decreasing the level of voltage under its breakdown the +Ve as well as -Ve polarity of pulse
voltage. Triggering circuit using DIAC is cheap
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10/24/21, 12:19 PM DIAC and TRIAC - Working, Differences & Their Applications

single fuse for protection. A secure bre

be possible in both directions.
The disadvantages of DIAC are, it is a low-power The disadvantages of TRIAC are, it is
device and doesn’t include a control terminal. As compared with SCR, these have lo
When operating this circuit, we need t
as it can activate in any direction.

The applications of DIAC mainly include different The applications of TRIAC mainly incl
circuits like lamp dimmer, heater control, universal circuits, fans controlling, AC phase co
motor speed control, etc. of high-power lamps, and controlling A

Controlling of AC Voltage through DIAC & TRIAC

A semiconductor device like a TRIAC is used to control the current supply. The operation of
to two thyristors which are connected in reverse parallel through a gate connection. Therefo
activated into conduction.

These are utilized in power control to provide full-wave control. It controls the voltage among
as full power. In many industries, over-voltage as well as under voltage problems can occur
causes a huge impact on output. To overcome this, we should use voltage controllers for co
voltage. A device like TRIAC gives an extensive range of control within an AC circuit withou
components.

AC Voltage Control Circuit

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10/24/21, 12:19 PM DIAC and TRIAC - Working, Differences & Their Applications

In this circuit, the lamp is used as a load. We can observe the change in the light by changin
resistor. So, the readings of the lamp like voltage as well as the current can be observed at
In a cathode ray oscilloscope, we can observe the waveform. The phase angle variation can
observed by changing the potentiometer.

The AC voltage controllers are available in two types based on input supply given to the circ
phase & three phases. The operating of single-phase controllers can be done using a single
supply like 230v at 50Hz, whereas in three phases, the supply voltage will be 400v at 50 Hz
break-over voltage of a DIAC device is at 30 volts range.

DIAC and TRIAC Applications

The applications of DIAC and TRIAC mainly include the following.

The major application of DIAC is, it can be used in a triggering circuit of TRIAC by connec
TRIAC’s gate terminal. Once the voltage which is applied across the gate terminal decrea
fixed value, then the voltage at the gate terminal turns to zero & therefore the TRIAC will
DIAC is used to build different circuits like lamp dimmer, heat control, the universal motor
circuit & starter circuits used in fluorescent lamps.
TRIAC is used in the control circuits such as motor control, fan speed controlling, light dim
switching of high-power lamps, controlling of AC power in domestic applications.

Thus, this is all about the difference between DIAC and TRIAC, working and its characterist
discussion in the above finally, we can conclude that DIAC and triac are very useful for the
power electronics for the purpose of controlling. We hope that you have got a better under
concept. Furthermore any queries regarding this concept or electrical and electronics p
gives your valuable suggestions by commenting in the comment section below.

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3 Comments

Sanchit Says:
at
There is a confusion left in my mind.

Tarun Agarwal Says:

at

Hi Sanchit
Please be specify your query so that I can clarify your confusion

Krutika Shelar Says:

at

what is mean by triac

Add Comment

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