Post by thread:Driving sensitive gate triacs directly

There was some discussion on interfacing with a SSR, but I don't remember reading how it turned out. How about this one - since the output current is quite hefty from a PIC (40 mA if I remember right), can you drive a sensitive gate triac directly ? Data sheet for a MAC228A would indicate 5mA trigger with a 15mA hold. Anyone done this before ? Normally, I use a optocoupler but it would be nice to eliminate another part. spam_OUThcooperTakeThisOuTes.com

On Jul 28, 7:09am, Harrison Cooper wrote: |Subject: Driving sensitive gate triacs directly | There was some discussion on interfacing with a SSR, but I don't remember | reading how it turned out. | | How about this one - since the output current is quite hefty from a PIC | (40 mA if I remember right), can you drive a sensitive gate triac directly ? | Data sheet for a MAC228A would indicate 5mA trigger with a 15mA hold. | Anyone done this before ? Normally, I use a optocoupler but it would be | nice to eliminate another part. | | .....hcooperKILLspam@spam@es.com |-- End of excerpt from Harrison Cooper Depends on how vulnerable you are to getting fried. One of the functions of SSR's is isolation from the line. Sure, you can do what you suggested, but be aware that your PIC and whatever circuitry is attached will be connected to potentially lethal power source. *Reg Neale=nealeKILLspamee.rochester.edu ....standard disclaimer applies...* *..."Ignorance is a renewable resource."....P.J. O'Rourke............*

At 07:09 AM 7/28/95 -0600, Harrison Cooper wrote: >There was some discussion on interfacing with a SSR, but I don't remember >reading how it turned out. > >How about this one - since the output current is quite hefty from a PIC >(40 mA if I remember right), can you drive a sensitive gate triac directly ? >Data sheet for a MAC228A would indicate 5mA trigger with a 15mA hold. >Anyone done this before ? Normally, I use a optocoupler but it would be >nice to eliminate another part. > >.....hcooperKILLspam.....es.com > > I thought about this too, but I wanted zero-crossing, and the triac-output optocouplers are pretty cheap and reliable (and easy to use). I think I'd rather pay the extra two bucks per triac than risk blowing up my PIC and all its attached hardware with 115 VAC... Kevin Fleming, Reliable Networx, Inc. Phoenix, AZ Internet: EraseMEkpfhomespam_OUTTakeThisOuTprimenet.com "Please, don't change colors while I'm talking to you."