The main difference between thyristor and TRIAC is that thyristor is a unidirectional device while in TRIAC as a bidirectional device. Now let us check it out the information about the difference between thyristor and TRIAC to know more details about it.
- Thyristor also called SCR stands for silicon controlled rectifier while TRIAC stands for triode for alternating current.
- Thyristor has four terminal semiconductor devices while TRIAC has a three-terminal semiconductor device.
- The main difference between SCR and TRIAC is that SCR is a unidirectional device, TRIAC is a bidirectional device.
- A thyristor is more reliable while TRIAC has less reliable.
- Thyristor needs two heat sink whereas TRIAC needs only one heat sink.
- A thyristor is available in a large rating while in TRIAC available in smaller ratings.
- Uni-junction transistor is used for triggering in SCR but in TRIAC the DIAC is used for triggering.
- Thyristor control DC power whereas TRIAC control DC as well as AC power.
- A thyristor is only one mode of operation is possible while TRIAC has four different modes of operation is possible.
- A thyristor can operate in only one quadrant V-I characteristics while TRIAC can operate only in two quadrant V-I characteristics.
- A thyristor can be triggered by positive gate voltage only, the TRIAC can be triggered either by the positive or negative gate voltage.
- The main disadvantage of TRIAC over thyristor is that has lower current capabilities.
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