Objectives:

In this experiment, a simple circuit will be constructed to study the

switching characteristic of TRIode for Alternating Current (TRIAC).

Theory:
The TRIAC is a member of the thyristor family. But unlike a SCR which conducts
only in one
direction (from anode to cathode) a TRIAC can conduct in both directions. Thus
a triac is similar to
two back to back (anti parallel) connected SCR but with only three terminals.
Standard triacs can be triggered by positive or negative current flow between
the gate and MT1
TRIAC I-V characteristic:

Figure 1.1: TRIAC I-V characteristic

First Quadrant Operation of TRIAC :
Voltage at terminal MT2 is positive with respect to terminal MT1 and gate
voltage is also positive with respect to first terminal.
Second Quadrant Operation of TRIAC:
Voltage at terminal 2 is positive with respect to terminal 1 and gate
voltage is negative with respect to terminal 1.
Third Quadrant Operation of TRIAC:
Voltage of terminal 1 is positive with respect to terminal 2 and the gate
voltage is negative.
Fourth Quadrant Operation of TRIAC:

Voltage of terminal 2 is negative with respect to terminal 1 and gate

voltage is positive.

TRIAC Turn-OFF Characteristics:

Since triacs are used in AC circuits, they naturally commutate at the end
of each half cycle of load current unless a gate signal is applied to maintain
conduction from the beginning of the next half cycle.

Equipments:

BT136 TRIAC
Resistors: 220
Potentiometer; Extech Resistance Decade Box
Multimeter
Trainer Board
Bench Power Supply

Circuit Diagram:

Figure 1.2: Circuit Diagram using BT136 TRIAC

Figure 1.3: Circuit Diagram using 2 SCR as TRIAC

Procedure:

The value of V1 & V2 was set to +10 VDC & +15 VDC
Voltage reading was taken by Multimeter between MT1 & MT2
Similarly voltage reading was taken by Multimeter between R1 (VR1) & R2 (VG).
The IG current was measured by dividing the voltage drop across the R2 Resistor
(VG) with the current value of R2 resistor. IG=VR2/R2 (IG=VG/RG)
R2 value was changed & VR2 (VG) was measured for different R2 values.
Different values were measured & logged on a Data Table.
This procedure was continued until current through the load resistor R2 reached
almost equal to IL=VR1/220.

Data Collection:
RG

VG
In Volts

VR1
In Volts

IG=VG/RG

IL=VR1/22
0

Voltages
Between MT1

In Amps

& MT2

10 M

9.30

14.21

0.00093
mA

0.06459

0.775 V

2M

9.30

14.24

0.00465
mA

0.06473

0.775 V

1M

9.30

14.25

0.0093
mA

0.06477

0.778 V

900 K

9.30

14.24

0.01033
mA

0.06472

0.777 V

500 K

9.30

14.24

0.0186
mA

0.06472

0.777 V

100 K

9.30

14.24

0.093 mA

0.06472

0.777 V

1K

9.24

14.23

9.24 mA

0.06468

0.782 V

500

9.20

14.22

0.0184 A

0.06463

0.786 V

100

9.02

14.20

0.0902 A

0.0645

0.822 V

Discussion:
triac is used in AC power control.
A triac is functionally equivalent to two antiparallel connected thyristors. It can
block
voltages in both directions and conduct current in both directions.
A triac has three terminals like a thyristor. It can be turned on in either half cycle
by
either a positive on a negative current pulse at the gate terminal.
Triacs are extensively used at power frequency ac load (eg heater, light, motors)
control
Applications.