0
\$\begingroup\$

1) How do I choose the resistor for a triac?enter image description here I saw this design in the opto-isolator datasheet that I'm using. I thought I'll just change the resistor value based on the gate characteristics of my Triac. I referred a few other circuits that had similar resistor values, irrespective of the triac. I'm using a 3Q triac, Q6012LH5, which is a 600V, 12A,3Q triac.

Related question 1, Related question 2 In one of the questions, a member specified that the value of the resistor is based on the Absolute max of the optocoupler. I still didn't understand, why max gate current is not taken into account.

2) In the triac datasheet, it is mentioned that max gate current Igt = 50mA. And Igtm(Abs Max Rating) = 2A(10us). Do they mean that 50mA is the max current that is required to trigger the triac in all conditions? Ratings of triac

3) I understand that holding current Ih is the minimum current that a triac needs to keep itself On, after the gate pulse is removed. Right? Then why do they specify Ih = 50mA when It = 100mA. Is doesn't make sense to me! Am I missing something here?

\$\endgroup\$

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
2
\$\begingroup\$

  1. You should pick a triac that is compatible with the optocoupler, not try to get the optocoupler to work with some random insensitive gate triac.

    The resistor is to protect the optocoupler (and triac gate) when the opto is switched on at the peak of the AC cycle. You could see currents in excess of 1.2A under that condition. The rating on the data sheet is 1.2A. So, reduce it at your own peril. If you use the recommended value with an insensitive gate triac you will get more electrical noise when 'on' (every half cycle) and the resistor will get hotter.

  2. The maximum current to trigger the triac is 50mA at 25°C Tj but only in the specified three quadrants. You only need to worry about two of those quadrants. The trigger current in Q4 is unspecified and will likely be much higher if it triggers at all (Q4 is MT2-, Gate+). Your application uses only Q1 and Q3. The trigger current can be in excess of 100mA at -40° (see Fig. 2).

  3. The test condition is a gate trigger current of 100mA. The holding current is the current through MT2 when it is on, which is pretty much unrelated to the gate current once it turns on. So the test is you turn the triac on with 100mA gate current, apply holding current through MT2 and remove gate current. If the current is more than 50mA at 25°C Tj it should stay on. If it's colder it might take more current.

Triacs with relatively high holding and trigger currents (they tend to track) are useful for switching inductive loads and resisting turn-on due to high dv/dt, so it's not all bad.

\$\endgroup\$
2
  • \$\begingroup\$ 1) rephrasing the question: why isn't the gate(/isolator protection) resistor not in kohms range(when gate current required is 50-100mA)? 2) If I want to turn on in Q1,Q3 and keep it active, 50mA guarantees it right?(irrespective of It) 3) I completely understand, thanks. \$\endgroup\$
    – seetharaman
    Apr 3, 2016 at 18:40
  • 1
    \$\begingroup\$ For low noise (and maximum output power) you would like the triac to turn on as early as possible in each half cycle. At 180 ohms you need more than 10V to guarantee 50mA. If you used (say) 1.8K the triac would not turn on until well into the cycle (so lots of EMI at that rapid switch-on with high voltage and MT2 current) and the resistor would get really, really hot since it's in series with the load for a fair bit of the half-cycle. It's an engineering trade-off. \$\endgroup\$
    – Spehro Pefhany
    Apr 3, 2016 at 18:51

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.