ELECTRONICS 3: THYRISTORS and Other Devices the applied light with a level almost independent of the voltage
across the device until breakdown results.
THYRISTOR (Thyratron and Transistor) - The collector current is the product of the transistor current
gain and the light induced base current.
- a bistable semiconductor device that comprises three or more
junctions and can be switched from the off to the on state and
Operation
vice versa.
Light-sensitive Base: expose to light often through transparent
- a type of gas-filled tube used as a high power electrical switch
casing
and controlled rectifier.
Photon Absorption: When photons strike the base junction
- can handle much greater currents than a similar hard-vacuum
tubes.
APPLICATIONS
- useful due to their ability to handle large current in power
- High application and Gate employing phototransistors ad light-
applications and fast switching:
emitting diode (LEDs)
- To function both LEDs (A&B) must be on
Most common Thyristor: Silicon Controlled Rectifier
Other Applications
SILICON CONTROLLED SWITCH (SCS)
1. Optocouplers – transmit electric signals between two
- like an SCR, except that it has two gates: a (1) cathode gate
isolated circuits. Provides protection between the circuits.
and an (2) anode gate. Either gate can On and Switch-off the
2. Optical Switchers – Found in security system and
SCS
automation, wherein light is used to detect the presence of an
object.
To turn On the SCS:
3. Infrared Receiver – Remotes, TVs, and other Appliances
Positive Pulse Cathode Gate
4. Ambient Light Sensors – Used for Street lights
Negative Pulse Anode Gate
5. Smoke Detectors –
To turn Off the SCS::
OPTO-ISOLATORS (OPTOCOUPLER, PHOTOCOUPLER)
Negative Pulse Cathode Gate
Positive Pulse Anode Gate - An electronic component that transfers electrical signals
between two circuits that are electrically isolated from each
APPLICATIONS other.
Pulse Generator - contains
Voltage Sensor
Alarm Circuits OPERATIONS
- works by using light to transfer electrical signal between two
completely separate circuits, thereby protecting one from the
ADVANTAGES other.
Reduced Turn off time
Negative Pulse Cathode Gate Input: LED Converts the incoming electrical signal into a light
Positive Pulse Anode Gate signal. The brightness of the light proportional to the input
Increased control and triggering and sensitivity current.
More predictable firing situation
DISADVANTAGES Output: a photosensitive component such as photoresistors,
Low Ratings photodiode, or photo SCR detects light form the LED and
Anode currents 100 mA to 300 mA convert it back to electrical signal.
Dissipation ratings 100 mW to 500 mW
APPLICATIONS
1. Gate Turn-off Switch (GTO) 1. High voltage isolation – used to separate low voltage
- looks similar in construction to the SCR with only one gate circuits
connection, but the GTO has an added 2. Ground Loop Breaking - in industrial or audio systems a
advantage of being able to turn the device off “ground loop” can occur multiple devices are connected to
and on at the gate terminal. different grounds causing unwanted noise and current.
3. Noise reduction – prevent electrical noise and voltage
Difference of GTO to SCS: spikes from propagating between the circuits ensuring a clean
- Low power device signal transfer.
- Gate signal to turn On is larger than SCR 4. Solid-State Relays – a core component of SSR allowing a
- Gate signal to turn Off is similar to SCR small DC signal to switch a high power AC or DC Load
APPLICATIONS
Counters
Pulse generators
Oscillators
Voltage regulators
Phototransistor - a three-terminal device having
characteristics similar to those of a BJT with a base and
collector current sensitive to the incident light intensity.
- The base current that results is essentially linearly related to