Department of Electrical Engineering

Faculty of Engineering & Applied Sciences

Riphah International University, Islamabad, Pakistan

Program: B.Sc. Electrical Engineering Semester: VI

Subject EE-473 Power Electronics Date: …………….

Experiment 3: Study of Internal structure and VI-Characteristics of DIAC (PT970721 trainer)

OBJECTIVES:

(i) To display the characteristics of a DIAC on the oscilloscope.

(ii) To determine the positive V(BR) F and negative V(BR) R breakdown voltage.

Name: Muhammad Ehsan Ullah SAP ID : 3050

Performance Lab Report
Description Total Marks Description Total Marks
Marks Obtained Marks Obtained
Ability to 5 Organization/Structure 5
Conduct
Experiment
Implementation 5 Data Presentation 5
and Results
Total Marks obtained

Remarks (if any): ………………………………….

Name & Signature of faculty: …………………………………

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Objectives:
 To display the characteristics of a DIAC on the oscilloscope.
 To determine the positive V(BR) F and negative V(BR) R breakdown voltage.
Introduction:
DIAC:
A DIAC is a full-wave or bi-directional semiconductor switch that can be turned on in both forward and
reverse polarities.
The name DIAC comes from the words Diode AC switch. The DIAC is an electronics component that is
widely used to assist even triggering of a TRIAC when used in AC switches and as a result they are often
found in light dimmers such as those used in domestic lighting. These electronic components are also
widely used in starter circuits for fluorescent lamps.
Although the term is not often seen, DIACs may also be called symmetrical trigger diodes - a term
resulting from the symmetry of their characteristic curve.
DIACs come in a variety of formats. As discrete components they may be contained in small leaded
packages, they can be obtained in surface mount packages, in large packages that bolt to a chassis, or a
variety of other packages. As they are often used as a DIAC TRIAC combination, they are often
integrated into the same die as a TRIAC.

Application of DIAC
The main application of a DIAC is its use in a TRIAC triggering circuit. The DIAC is connected to the
gate terminal of the TRIAC. When the voltage across the gate decreases below a predetermined value, the
gate voltage will be zero and hence the TRIAC will be turned off.
Some other applications of a DIAC include:
1. It can be used in the lamp dimmer circuit
2. It is used in a heat control circuit
3. It is used in the speed control of a universal motor
A DIAC can be used with a TRIAC in a series combination for triggering. The gate of TRIAC is
connected with a terminal of the DIAC. When the applied voltage across the DIAC increases above the
avalanche breakdown voltage, only then it can conduct.

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Circuit diagram:

Procedure:
 Set the experiment circuit as shown in schematic diagram below.
 The schematic above can be realized by arranging the panels as in figure below.
 Adjust the oscilloscope so that the traces are at the middle of the screen. Apply an AC
input voltage of 12V to the circuit. The RM 1 kΩ resistor changes the sensitivity
of channel 2 to m/div.
 Sketch the oscilloscope of channel 2 (axis-Y) against channel 1 (axis-X). Mark the
point where the breakdown voltages occur in the forward direction U(BR)F and the
reverse direction U(BR)R.
 Record the forward U(BR)F and reverse U(BR)R breakdown voltage.

U(BR)F = 50.5 volt.

U(BR)R = 50.5 volt

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Lab Task:
Oscilloscope Output Wave: ( at 12V to 50V )

Oscilloscope Output Wave: ( 50.5V ) FORWARD AS WELL AS REVERSE

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Results and Discussions:
DIAC circuits use the fact that a DIAC only conducts current only after a certain breakdown voltage has
been exceeded. The actual breakdown voltage will depend upon the specification for the particular
component type.
When the DIAC breakdown voltage occurs, the resistance of the component decreases abruptly and this
leads to a sharp decrease in the voltage drop across the DIAC, and a corresponding increase in current.
The DIAC will remain in its conducing state until the current flow through it drops below a particular
value known as the holding current. When the current falls below the holding current, the DIAC switches
back to its high resistance, or non-conducting state.

Conclusion:
In this lab the characteristics of a DIAC on the oscilloscope was studied in today’s lab. Also
determine the positive V(BR) F and negative V(BR) R breakdown voltage.

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