Suntan Technology Company Limited
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In AC switching design, one of the most dangerous assumptions is this:
“All TRIACs work the same.”
At first glance, many TRIACs may share similar voltage and current ratings. But if you're selecting components solely based on those numbers, you're likely missing key parameters that directly affect real-world performance—especially when it comes to trigger stability and load compatibility.
Let’s break the myth and look at what really matters when choosing a TRIAC.
Why the Wrong TRIAC Can Undermine Your Design
A TRIAC that’s mismatched to your application can lead to:
- Inconsistent triggering
- Device misfiring under light load
- Control failure in inductive systems like motors or transformers
- Excessive heating or reduced reliability
And often, the cause isn’t the load itself, but the gate trigger current (IGT) or latching current (IL) not aligning with your drive or load conditions.
What Smart Engineers Actually Look At
| Parameter | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| IGT (Gate Trigger Current) | Determines how easily the TRIAC turns on. If your circuit has weak gate drive (e.g., opto-isolator), a high IGT will cause misfiring. |
| IL (Latching Current) | If your load is small or varies, IL must be low enough to keep the TRIAC conducting. |
| Package & Thermal Limits | For continuous power control (e.g., heaters), TO-220 with heatsink is preferred. Compact designs might require TO-126. |
| Certifications & Reliability | Industrial or appliance-grade products may require specific specs. |
Design Smarter with Suntan TRIACS
Suntan’s TRIAC portfolio is designed with this principle in mind: one size does not fit all.
Whether you need low-IGT TRIACs for microcontroller-driven loads, or high-current TO-220 packages for motor switching, Suntan offers reliable options:
- BT134-600E – 4A, 600V, IGT 5mA (TO-126)
- BT138-800E – 12A, 800V, IGT 5mA (TO-220)
- BT139-800T – 16A, 800V, IGT 10mA (TO-220)
- BTA16-800B – 16A, 800V, IGT 35mA (TO-220 high power)
Explore full datasheets and application fit to ensure proper matching.
Final Thought
Choosing the wrong TRIAC is like using the wrong fuse — you won’t realize until it fails.
Engineers who take the time to match the right trigger specs and thermal profiles see fewer failures, smoother control, and higher long-term reliability.
Don’t let the wrong TRIAC compromise your design
Explore Suntan’s full selection today:
Contact us:
info@suntan.com.hk | sales@suntan.com.hk
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