Q4010LH5

Thyristors - TRIACs

Q4010LH5 Application Field and Working Principle

A TRIAC, or "Triode for Alternating Current," is a type of solid-state controlled thyristor ( SCR ). A thyristor is a three-terminal semiconductor switching device, offering bidirectional current control. TRIACs enable devices to switch AC current, allowing for greater efficiency and versatility than traditional SCRs. This makes it ideal for a wide range of applications, from simple lighting controls to sophisticated medical equipment.

The Q4010LH5 is a medium current TRIAC with nearly zero voltage turn-on capability. It is specifically designed to be driven by a TTL, CMOS or a 1-5V logic gate, which makes it easy to integrate into existing electrical circuits. The device has a high stable off-state current leakage and a low on-state resistance, which allows it to have a high switching frequency, making it suitable for motor and lighting control. This device can be used to regulate the flow of current in an AC circuit, and can also be used in conjunction with an optocoupler to control high-voltage devices.

TRIACs work much like a transistor and a diode. The two primary components of the TRIAC are two diodes that are internally shaped in a figure 8. The two diodes are connected and arranged in an opposing manner. The three terminals of a TRIAC are the Gate ( G ) terminal, the anode ( A ) terminal and the cathode ( C ) terminal. The gate located between the anode and the cathode controls the flow of current between the two when it is triggered.

When the gate terminal is triggered, it allows current to flow both ways between the anode and cathode terminals. This flow is then directed outward by the anode and cathode terminal of the TRIAC. This action is referred to as “latching” or “triggering” and once triggered, it can continue to conduct current until the current is interrupted, or until current drops below the holding current.

The Q4010LH5 is part of a family of TRIACs that are designed to use low level signals and deliver higher current, making them suitable for various applications. Some of these applications include motor and lighting control, control of loads such as road lighting and water valves, DC to AC inverters and battery backup systems. The low gate trigger current and high stable off state current leakage make it suitable for AC switching applications in household appliances, such as washing machines, dishwashers, and refrigerators.

The Q4010LH5 is a powerful and reliable TRIAC that offers enhanced triggering and current handling capabilities. It can be used to control and regulate AC current as well as to trigger high-voltage equipment. With its low gate trigger current and high stable off state current leakage, this device is suitable for a wide range of AC switching applications and is an ideal choice for use in AC power control.