Thyristors - TRIACs
Thyristors, specifically TRIACs (Triode for Alternating Current), are semiconductor devices that act as switches for controlling power. They are used to regulate the flow of electricity in AC circuits by allowing current to flow in both directions when triggered. TRIACs are composed of five layers of semiconductor material, forming two PNPN structures in parallel, which enable them to conduct current in either direction when a gate signal is applied. This bidirectional capability makes TRIACs ideal for AC applications, where they can efficiently control the power delivered to a load, such as in dimming lights or controlling motor speeds.