TRIAC

It is similar to an SCR or Thyristor

But it can conduct in both the direction
Similar to two anti parallel SCR with three

terminals
Gate loses control after the TRIAC is turned
ON so it semi controlled

Construction

Working and Principles

MT2 positive with respect to
MT1, G positive with respect
to MT1
2. MT2 positive with respect to
MT1, G negative with respect
to MT1
3. MT2 negative with respect to
MT1, G negative with respect
to MT1
4. MT2 negative with respect to
MT1, G positive with respect
to MT1
1.

MODE 1/Quadrant 1
Gate and MT2 is positive

compared to MT1
The dotted line gate current
directly flows to MT1
This caused the Gate-MT1(npn)
to switch ON
This causes the MT2-MT1(pnp)
to switch ON
Since the current flow is small
through the P layer from Gate
to MT1 gate current
requirement is more compared
to SCR
Since the current is directly
applied to the Base of the NPN
this is the most sensitive mode

MODE 2/Quadrant2
Gate is negative and MT2

is positive w.r.t to MT1

The current flow is 3 fold
MT1(p) to Gate(n)
Because of above current

flow the potential of Gate

approaches MT1 which
causes current flow from
Gate(p) to MT1(n)
This causes the npn to
switch ON and
subsequently the pnp to
switch ON

MODE 3/Quadrant 3
Gate and MT2 is negative

w.r.t MT1
1.MT1 and Gate (p-n) is
forward biased
Some of the minority
carriers drift to the
underlying n region
This lowers the potential
causing the pnp transistor
to switch ON
This causes the potential of
the underling P layer to
increase which also
increases the Base current
of the npn

MODE 4/Quadrant 4
Gate is positive

and MT2 is
negative w.r.t to
MT1
Gate (p) to MT1(n)
is forward bias
Free electrons from
p layer injected to
underlying n region
Similar to Mode 3
This is the least
sensitive mode and

Steady State Output Characteristics

and Ratings of a Triac