AC Voltage Controller (using DIAC and TRIAC)

Abstract:
In this experiment the Light dimmer characteristic using DIAC and TRIAC was explained.The
objective of this experiment is to control AC voltage using DIAC and TRIAC.We have
implemented the basic TRIAC triggering circuit using DIAC. In this circuit,we noticed that the
light illumination is controlled using TRIAC and DIAC. The DIAC seemed as a bi-directional
triggered diode. The circuit we have implemented and was simulated later.The simulated
circuits run successfully and gave accurate waveform.But the practical implement was not
good at all due to human error.However,we managed to know the mechanism of
controlling TRIAC using DIAC through the simulation and theoretical study.
Circuit Diagram:

Fig 1: Complete experimental setup (Light dimmer circuit)

Experimental results/Data Table:Simulated values are placed in this section due to failure
in practical value observation.
Data Table 1:

No. Value of R2 Delay angle Conduction Output (Vp)

(KΩ) (Degree) angle (Degree)
1 50 45 135 12
2 50 60 120 12

Hardware Snap:
Fig 2:Practically Implemented Circuit

Fig 3:Waveform of practical circuit

Simulation circuit diagram (1):

Fig 4:Simulation circuit diagram( 1)
Waveshapes (1):

Fig 5:Waveform for circuit (1)

Simulation circuit diagram (2):
Fig 6: Simulation circuit diagram( 2)
Waveshapes (2):

Fig 7:Waveform for circuit (2)

Simulation results:
No. Value of R2 Delay angle Conduction Output (Vp)
(KΩ) (Degree) angle (Degree)
1 50 45 135 12
2 50 60 120 12

DISCUSSION:
In this experiment the circuit were implemented in the trainer board using required
components. The desired output wave shape was not appear due to human error or internal
connection error, the simulation part was successfully done using PSIM software.

Light dimmer circuit is used to adjust the illumination of lamp. The circuit in figure 6 shows
the basic TRIAC triggering circuit using DIAC. Here in this circuit the light illumination is
controlled using TRIAC and DIAC. The DIAC is a bi-directional trigger diode used mainly in
firing triacs and thyristors in AC control circuits.

DIAC (Diode for Alternating Current):

A DIAC is a three-layer, two-junction, two terminal (labeled A1 and A2) bidirectional

semiconductor device which can be switched from OFF state to ON state for either polarity
of applied voltage. If a positive or negative voltage is applied across the terminals, only a
small amount of leakage current flow through it. As the applied voltage is increased, the
leakage current will continue to flow until the voltage reaches the break over voltage V BO. At
this point avalanche breakdown occurs and the device exhibits negative resistance, i.e.
current through the device increases with the decreasing values of applied voltage.

Structure:

Fig 8(a) : Symbol of a DIAC Fig 8(b) : Basic structure of a DIAC Fig 8(c) : DIAC
 Fig 9 : I-V characteristics of DIAC

TRIAC (Triode AC switch):

A TRIAC is a 3 terminal semiconductor switching device which can control alternating

current in a load. A Triac behaves just like two conventional SCRs connected together in
inverse parallel (back-to-back) with respect to each other and because of this arrangement
the two SCRs share a common Gate terminal all within a single three-terminal package. Its
characteristics in I (First) and III (Third) quadrants are essentially identical to those of an SCR
in the I quadrant. The TRIAC can be operated with either positive or negative gate control
voltage, but in normal operation usually the gate voltage is positive in I quadrant and
negative in III quadrant. The supply voltage at which the TRIAC is turned ON depends upon
the gate current. The greater the gate current, the smaller the supply voltage at which the
TRIAC is turned on.

Since a triac conducts in both directions of a sinusoidal waveform, the concept of an Anode
terminal and a Cathode terminal used to identify the main power terminals of a SCR are
replaced with identifications of: MT1, for Main Terminal 1 and MT2, for Main Terminal 2
with the Gate terminal G referenced the same.
Fig 10(a): Symbol of a TRIAC Fig 10(b): Equivalent circuit of a
TRIAC Fig 10(c): Internal
a TRIAC construction

Fig 11 : Pin configuration of TRIAC

I-V characteristics of TRIAC:

Fig 12. : I-V Characteristics of TRIAC

Questions for report writing:

2. Why a DIAC is called a bidirectional device?

 Ans: Because they will conduct in either direction, if the breakdown voltage is
reached.

3. Does the DIAC conduct equally during the positive & negative alternations?

Ans: Yes, it is a bidirection device. They are symmetrical.

4. When is the DIAC turned - on?

Ans: A DIAC behaves like many gas discharge tubes. It does not conduct until a
~high voltage is reached where it "fires" and remains conducting until the current
drops to a very low value. Polarity doesn't matter. Typically used to trigger a TRIAC
from a RC delay, the DIAC dumps the capacitor into the TRIAC gate at some phase
after 0° and 180°. Because the DIAC waits for the capacitor voltage to build up, the
TRIAC can be triggered with a high value resistor and small capacitor, ie low power.

5. What is the main function of TRIAC?

Ans: TRIAC, from Triode for Alternating Current, is a genericized tradename for an
electronic component that can conduct current in either direction when it is triggered

6. How is a TRIAC equivalent to two anti-parallel SCRs? Is it exact anti-parallel?

Ans: No, a TRIAC only has 3 terminals and they can be triggered by gate currents in
either direction regardless of the anode to cathode voltage.

8. Explain why a TRIAC can replace a SCR but a SCR cannot replace a TRIAC?

Ans: TRIAC is equivalent to two SCR join together back to back in reverse polarity
from each other. Therefore, TRIAC is a bidirectional parts whereas SCR is unit
directional parts

9. Why do not we use UJT relaxation oscillator instead of DIAC?

Ans: UJTs operate at relatively low voltages, and DIACs operate at higher voltages.
Also the on resistance of UJTs is much larger than a DIAC.

Reference(s):
[1]Industrial Electronics Lab Manual, American International University-Bangladesh
(AIUB)
[2] Available at:https://answers.yahoo.com/.Last access on 16/02/2020