CAMOSUN COLLEGE ELECTRONICS DEPARTMENT ( Elex 248 )

Laboratory 8
THE TRIAC & DIAC IN A PHASE CONTROL POWER CIRCUIT OBJECTIVES 1. To become familiar with TRIAC and DIAC devices. 2. To study the operation of TRIAC in a phase control power circuit.

DISCUSSION Thyristors are widely used to control power in numerous applications: Phase Control SMPS (Switch Mode Power Supplies) DC-DC Converters Motor Controls etc. SCR (Silicon Controlled Rectifier): One type of thyristor used where DC power is to be controlled. TRIAC: A thyristor used where AC power is to be controlled. A triac is similar to two SCR's connected in a reverse parallel configuration. DIAC: A silicon bi-directional trigger device in a glass envelope intended for use in triac and thyristor trigger circuits. The TRIAC is normally off but may be triggered on by a low current pulse to an input called the gate. Once triggered on, it remains on until the current flowing through the main terminals of the device drops below the minimum holding current. It is usually not possible (at least not easy) to turn a thyristor off while current is flowing. However, there are special types of devices called Gate Turnoff Thyristors (GTO) which are capable of this type of control as well.

References: - Robbins & Miller ch31 pp 1181 (diac), 1190-1193 (triac) And Example 31-4 p 1197, - Class notes and handouts & Component Data Sheets

E248lab08.doc/

Electronics Department, Camosun College

Elex248- Lab8

The Triac and Diac in a Phase Power Control Circuit

Page 2 of 4

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LAB EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS Oscilloscope Digital multimeter shared RLC bridge meter 1 Isolation Transformer 120V/1A 1 Triac Q4006L4 ( 6 Amps ) 1 Diac 1N5761 ( 28V - 36 V ) 1 Lamp 60 W/ 120V 1 Resistor 1 k / 0.25W 1 Resistor 1 k / 1W 1 POT 100 k / 2W 1 Capacitor 0.22uF / 50 V 1 Breadboard Miscellaneous wires and leads 1 1 HP 54645A HP 34401A SR 715

TRIAC Q4006L4 Q4006L4

M1 G

M1 M2 G

M2

Procedure
1. Using the DMM and RCL meter measure R1a, R1b, R2, and C1, and record their values below: R1a = _________ , R1b = _________ , R2 = _________ , C1 = __________

2. Carefully construct the circuit shown in Figure 8-1 below. CAUTION: 120VAC is a potentially dangerous voltage treat it with respect! Be sure to disconnect the power before making any adjustments to your circuit. 3. Connect CH#1 and CH#2 of the scope to the points A and B. Connect the scope COMMON to point D.
LAMP 60W / 120V

B
R1a 1 K / 1W

T1 TO 120 Vac

R1b 100 K / 2W
M2

C
G M1

TRIAC Q4006L4

ISOLATION TRANSFORMER

C1 0.22 uF / 50V

DIAC 1N5761

R2 1K

Figure 8-1
E248lab08.doc/ Electronics Department, Camosun College

Elex248- Lab8

The Triac and Diac in a Phase Power Control Circuit

Page 3 of 4

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4. Connect the circuit to a 120V AC source via the isolation transformer. 5. Observe the RANGE of possible firing angles with 100 K potentiometer (POT) set to zero and then 100 K. Record them in Table 8-1. [Note: R1 is different in each formula below!!]

6. Minimum Phase Delay: 1) Adjust the 100 K POT to provide minimum phase delay of the triac firing as viewed at the MT2 pin (at firing, voltage from MT2 to MT1 drops); 2) Measure the phase delay (angles) and record it in Table 8-1; 3) Sketch both waveforms on the same time axis (next page); 4) Note lamp brightness (brighter). 7. Maximum Phase Delay: 1) Readjust the 100 K POT to provide maximum phase delay of the triac firing as viewed at MT2 pin; 2) Measure the phase delay and record it in Table 8-1; 3) Again, sketch both waveform on the same time axis; 4) Note lamp brightness. 8. Diac Firing Voltage: Remove the CH#1 of the scope from point A and connect it to the point C ( the capacitor side of the diac). Measure the diac firing voltage and record it in Table 8-1. 9. Explain the differences between the computed values and the measured values for all data in Table 8-1 on page 4.

Minimum Phase Delay

Maximum Phase Delay

Volts/Div

= _________

Time/Div

= _________

Volts/Div

= _________

Time/Div

= _________

E248lab08.doc/

Electronics Department, Camosun College

Elex248- Lab8

The Triac and Diac in a Phase Power Control Circuit

Page 4 of 4

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Table 8-1. Step No. 3, 5 3, 6 7

Phase Delay in a Triac-Diac Circuit Parameter Computed n/a n/a Measured

Min. Phase Delay Max. Phase Delay Diac Firing Voltage

(32V4V)

10. Briefly summarize your conclusion(s) for Lab 8.

E248lab08.doc/

Electronics Department, Camosun College