There are several applications where it is preferred to regulate the power fed to a load.

For instance:
using electrical methods controlling the speed of a motor or fan. But, these methods do not allow fine
control over the flow of power in a system additionally; there is an extensive wastage of power. In the
present day, such devices have been developed which can allow fine control over the flow of large
blocks of power in a system. These devices perform as controlled switches and can complete the duties
of controlled rectification, regulation, and inversion of power in a load. The essential semiconductor
switching devices are UJT, SCR, DIAC, and TRIAC. Earlier we have studied the basic electrical and
electronic components such as transistors, capacitors, diodes, etc. But, to understand the switching
devices like SCR, DIAC and triac we have to know about the thyristor. A thyristor is one type of
semiconductor device that includes three or more terminals. It is unidirectional similar to a diode but
switched like a transistor. Thyristors are used to control high voltages and currents in the motors,
heating, and lighting applications.

Difference between Diac and Triac

The differences between DIAC and triac mainly include what are a DIAC and TRIAC, construction of
TRIAC and DIAC, working, characteristics and applications. The symbols of DIAC and TRIAC are shown
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 power. A Triac
device comprises of two thyristors that are connected in opposite direction but in parallel but, it is
controlled by the same gate. Triac is a 2-dimensional thyristor that is activated on both halves of the i/p
AC cycle using + Ve or -Ve gate pulses. The three terminals of the Triac are MT1; MT2 & gate terminal
(G). Generating pulses are applied between MT1 and gate terminals. The ‘G’ current to switch 100A
from triac is not more than 50mA or so.

The DIAC is a bi-directional semiconductor switch that can be switched on in both polarities. The full
form of the name DIAC is diode alternating current. DIAC is connected back to back using two Zener
diodes and the main application of this DIAC is, it is widely used to help even activating of a TRIAC when
used in 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 layers that
allows activating in one direction. This device is used to activating the device for the triac. The basic
construction of DIAC consists of two terminals namely MT1 and MT2. When the MT1 terminal is
designed +Ve with respect to the terminal MT2, the transmission will take place to the p-n-p-n structure
that is another four-layer diode. The DIAC can be performing for both the direction. Then the symbol of
the DIAC looks like a transistor.

DIAC Construction

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

The diode leftovers in its transmission state until the current through it falls below, what is termed the
holding current, which is usually chosen by the letters IH. The holding current, the DIAC reverts to its
non-conducting state. Its behavior is bidirectional and thus its function takes place on both halves of an
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 to symmetrical
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 DIAC
performs until its current decreases toward zero. Because of its abnormal construction, doesn’t switch
sharply into a low voltage condition at a low current level like the triac or SCR, once it goes into the
transmission, the diac preserves an almost continuous –Ve resistance characteristic, which means,
voltage reduces with the enlarge in the current. This means that, unlike the triac and the SCR, the DIAC
cannot be estimated to 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. Here the gate
terminal is the control terminal. The flow of current in the triac is bi-directional which means current can
flow in both directions. The structure of TRIAC is shown in the below figure. Here, in the structure of
triac, two SCRs are connected in the antiparallel and it will act as a switch for both directions. In the
above structure, the MT1 and gate terminals are near to each other. When the gate terminal is open,
the triac will 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 & Working

Characteristics of TRIAC

The V-I characteristics of TRIAC are discussed below.

TRIAC Characteristics

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

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

It can function with either +Ve or –Ve gate control voltage but in typical operation generally, the gate
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 utilizing a triac
to regulate AC power in a load from zero to full power in a smooth and permanent manner with no loss
in the device control.

Why DIAC is used with TRIAC?

The main purpose of using DIAC with TRIAC is, TRIAC device does not fire symmetrically thus there is a
slight difference between the two halve of the device. The non-symmetrical firing, as well as resultant
waveforms, can give an increase to the unnecessary harmonics generation. The less symmetrical
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 switching
characteristic of this device is far more as compared with the TRIAC. As the DIAC stops any gate current
supply when the trigger voltage reaches a certain voltage within any direction, then this will make the
TRIAC firing point more in both directions also. So, DIACs may be frequently used with the TRIAC gate
terminal.
These are extensively used components in conjunction with TRIACs to balance their switching
characteristics. So, when the switching AC signals are reduced. Then the level of harmonics will
generate. Although, two thyristors are normally used for large applications. But the combination of
DIAC/TRIAC is 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 capacitor starts
charging throughout the +Ve half cycle. Once the capacitor gets charged upto Vc, then the DIAC
component will start conduction. When the DIAC activates, it provides a pulse toward the gate terminal
of the TRIAC because of where the TRIAC starts conduction as well as current supplies through RL

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 a pulse to
the TRIAC, then the current will supply throughout the RL. We know that the DIAC working can be done
on two polarities because the two connections of two diodes can be done in parallel with each other, so
it conducts on both polarities. The DIAC output can be given to the gate terminal of the TRIAC which is
used to make the TRIAC ON conduct so that the load like lamp will be turned ON.

Difference between DIAC and TRIAC

The difference between DIAC and TRIAC include the following.

DIAC TRIAC

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

The acronym of the TRIAC is “Triode for the 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 device.

This name is derived from the combination of DI + AC, where DI means 2 & AC means alternating
current.This name is derived from the combination of TRI + AC, where TRI means 3 & AC means
alternating current.

It can control both positive and negative half cycles of AC signal input. DIAC can be switched from its
off state to ON state for either polarity of the applied voltage.

The DIAC construction can be done either in NPN otherwise PNP form The construction of TRIAC can
be done with two 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 from 0-180° & 180°-360°.

This device plays a key role inactivate the TRIAC This device is used to control the fan, light dimmer, etc.

It has three layers It has five layers

The advantages of DIAC are, it can be activated by decreasing the level of voltage under its breakdown
voltage. Triggering circuit using DIAC is cheap The advantages of TRIAC are, It can work through the
+Ve as well as -Ve polarity of pulses. It uses a single fuse for protection. A secure breakdown can be
possible in both directions.

The disadvantages of DIAC are, it is a low-power device and doesn’t include a control terminal.

The disadvantages of TRIAC are, it is not reliable. As compared with SCR, these have low-
ratings. When operating this circuit, we need to be cautious as it can activate in any direction.

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

Controlling of AC Voltage through DIAC & TRIAC

A semiconductor device like a TRIAC is used to control the current supply. The operation of this is similar
to two thyristors which are connected in reverse parallel through a gate connection. Therefore, it can be
activated into conduction.

These are utilized in power control to provide full-wave control. It controls the voltage among zero as
well as full power. In many industries, over-voltage as well as under voltage problems can occur. Thus it
causes a huge impact on output. To overcome this, we should use voltage controllers for controlling the
voltage. A device like TRIAC gives an extensive range of control within an AC circuit without using
exterior components.

AC Voltage Control Circuit

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

The AC voltage controllers are available in two types based on input supply given to the circuit like single
phase & three phases. The operating of single-phase controllers can be done using a single voltage
supply like 230v at 50Hz, whereas in three phases, the supply voltage will be 400v at 50 Hz. So, the 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 connecting the TRIAC’s
gate terminal. Once the voltage which is applied across the gate terminal decreases under a fixed value,
then the voltage at the gate terminal turns to zero & therefore the TRIAC will be deactivated.

DIAC is used to build different circuits like lamp dimmer, heat control, the universal motor speed control
circuit & starter circuits used in fluorescent lamps.

TRIAC is used in the control circuits such as motor control, fan speed controlling, light dimmers,
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 characteristics. After all
the discussion in the above finally, we can conclude that DIAC and triac are very useful for the
applications of power electronics for the purpose of controlling. We hope that you have got a better
understanding of this concept. Furthermore any queries regarding this concept or electrical and
electronics projects, please gives your valuable suggestions by commenting in the comment section
below.
 [10:13 am, 01/06/2021] Satyam Uikey: This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best
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What is a DIAC? Operation Applications Circuits

A DIAC is a bi-directional semiconductor switch that can be turned on in both forward and
reverse polarities above a certain voltage: it is often used to provide defined switching for a triac.

Triac, Diac, SCR Tutorial Includes:

Thyristor basics Thyristor device structure Thyristor operation Gate turn off thyristor, GTO
Thyristor specifications What is a triac Triac specifications Diac overview

A DIAC is a full-wave or bi-directional semiconductor switch that can be turned on in both

forward and reverse polarities.

The name DIAC comes from the words DIode AC switch. The DIAC is an electronics component
that is widely used to assist even triggering of a TRIAC when used in AC switches and as a result they are
often found in light dimmers such as those used in domestic lighting. These electronic components are
also widely used in starter circuits for fluorescent lamps.

Although the term is not often seen, DIACs may also be called symmetrical trigger diodes - a
term resulting from the symmetry of their characteristic curve.

DIACs come in a variety of formats. As discrete components they may be contained in small
leaded packages, they can be obtained in surface mount packages, in large packages that bolt to a
chassis, or a variety of other packages. As they are often used as a DIAC TRIAC combination, they are
often integrated into the same die as a TRIAC.

DIAC symbol
 The DIAC symbol used to depict this electronic component in circuit diagrams can be
remembered as a combination of what may appear to be two diodes in parallel with each other but
connected in opposite directions.

DIAC circuit symbol

Owing to the fact that DIACs are bi-direction devices the terminals cannot be labelled as anode
and cathode as they are for a diode. Instead they may be labelled as A1 and A2 or MT1 and MT2, where
MT stands for "Main Terminal."

DIAC operation

DIAC circuits use the fact that a DIAC only conducts current only after a certain breakdown
voltage has been exceeded. The actual breakdown voltage will depend upon the specification for the
particular component type.

When the DIAC breakdown voltage occurs, the resistance of the component decreases abruptly
and this leads to a sharp decrease in the voltage drop across the DIAC, and a corresponding increase in
current. The DIAC will remain in its conducing state until the current flow through it drops below a
particular value known as the holding current. When the current falls below the holding current, the
DIAC switches back to its high resistance, or non-conducting state.

DIAC voltage- current characteristic

DIACs are widely used in AC applications and it is found that the device is "reset" to its non-
conducting state, each time the voltage on the cycle falls so that the current falls below the holding
current. As the behaviour of the device is approximately equal in both directions, it can provide a
method of providing equal switching for both halves of an AC cycle, e.g. for TRIACs.

Most DIACs have a breakdown voltage of around 30 volts, although the exact specifications will
depend upon the particular type of device. Interestingly their behaviour is somewhat similar to that of a
neon lamp, although they offer a far more precise switch on voltage and thereby provide a far better
degree of switching equalisation.

Diac structure
 The DIAC can be fabricated as either a two layer or a five layer structure. In the three layer
structure the switching occurs when the junction that is reverse biased experiences reverse breakdown.
The three layer version of the device is the more common and can have a break-over voltage of around
30 V. Operation is almost symmetrical owing to the symmetry of the device.

A five layer DIAC structure is also available. This does not act in quite the same manner,
although it produces an I-V curve that is very similar to the three layer version. It can be considered as
two break-over diodes connected back to back.

The structure of a DIAC

For most applications a three layer version of the DIAC is used. It provides sufficient
improvement in switching characteristics. For some applications the five layer device may be used.

DIAC applications

One of the major uses of DIACs within TRIAC circuits. TRIACs do not fire symmetrically as a result
of slight differences between the two halves of the device.

The non-symmetrical firing and resulting waveforms give rise to the generation of unwanted
harmonics – the less symmetrical the waveform the greater the level of harmonic generation.

DIAC TRIAC combination

To resolve the issues resulting from the non-symmetrical operation, a DIAC is often placed in
series with the gate. This device helps make the switching more even for both halves of the cycle. This
results from the fact that the DIAC switching characteristic is far more even than that of the TRIAC.

Since the DIAC prevents any gate current flowing until the trigger voltage has reached a certain
voltage in either direction, this makes the firing point of the TRIAC more even in both directions. In view
of their usefulness, DIACs may often be built into the gate terminal of a TRIAC.

DIACs are a widely used electronic component. The chief application of DIACs is for use in
conjunction with TRIACs to equalise their switching characteristics. By equalising the switching
characteristics of these TRIACs, the level of harmonics generated when switching AC signals can be
reduced. Despite this, for large applications, two thyristors are generally used. Nevertheless the DIAC /
TRIAC combination is very useful for lower power applications including light dimmers, etc.

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