Several different technologies and designs are available among solid-state switches today. The major families are the standard Triacs (triode for alternating current), the snubberless Triacs, and the ...

Check out this link for On Semiconductor’s datasheet for a line of “Zero-Cross Optocoupled Triac Drivers.” The ability to zero-cross when turning on AC line voltage to some loads may be advantageous.

Triacs are used to control ac mains loads in home appliances, and commercial and industrial equipment. In the majority of applications, the triac will dissipate sufficient power to make thermal ...