L6004L556

Thyristors, more popularly known as TRIACs, are sophisticated electronic devices with several applications in various electronic gadgets and equipment. One of the widely used TRIAC is L6004L556, which is widely used for AC switching applications. In this article, we take a look at the application field and working principle of L6004L556 TRIAC.

The L6004L556 TRIAC, manufactured by the reputed Mikronal Semiconductor Company, is widely used in AC power control equipment like AC switching and motors speed control. The device is a two-terminal thyristor, which can handle 36 volts forward blocking voltage and 1.25 volts reverse blocking voltage. It has a maximum on-state current of up to 10A. The device has been designed to provide with minimum RMS and maximum peak current capabilities, which make it suitable for all AC switching and high current applications, such as speed control, dimming and soft-start applications.

The working principle of the L6004L556 TRIAC is fairly simple. When a small amount of current is applied to its gate terminal, the TRIAC quickly conducts up to a certain current level and remains in that state until the current supplied to its gate is withdrawn. This is why the TRIAC is used in AC switching applications; its turn-on and turn-off times are much faster than those of other thyristors. As the gate current is released, the TRIAC turns off and is ready for the next turn-on cycle.

The L6004L556 TRIAC is also widely used for dimmer and speed control applications where AC signals should be varied. Dimmers and speed controllers reduce the AC form sine wave into a trapezoidal wave; this is done by turning the TRIAC off and on (pulsing) at a specific frequency. The concept of speed control of AC motors follows the same principle – i.e. the TRIAC is turned on and off at a specific frequency which is determined by the speed required by the motor.

The L6004L556 TRIAC is also used in soft start applications, where the current drawn by a motor should be gradually increased so that it can reach its desired speed. Again, this is done by applying a small current (pulse) to the gate of the TRIAC, which enables it to begin conducting and gradually increases the amount of current drawn by the motor.

Finally, the L6004L556 TRIAC is widely used in grounding applications, where it is used for voltage regulation. It is also used in power supply design where it is used as a switch for controlling the transfer of high current from one side of the circuit to the other.

In conclusion, the L6004L556 TRIAC from Mikronal Semiconductor is a versatile device which is widely used in AC power control applications, dimmer, speed control, grounding and power supply design. Its simple two-terminal design makes it an ideal switch for controlling the flow of current. Its fast turn-on and turn-off times, combined with its current handling capabilities, make it a must-have device for all power control applications.