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.

Non-insulated power supplies are often required when a power semiconductor, which has to be controlled using this supply, has its drive reference connected to the mains (line or neutral terminal).

For switching high-powered loads from a microcontroller, or for switching AC loads in general, most of us will reach into the parts bin and pull out a generic relay of some sort. Relays are ...

Diacs and triacs are often used for control of ac lines and are seeing increasing use in Internet-enabled line switches. However, the traditional approach of modeling them using bipolar transistors ...

Fig 1. This efficient pre-regulator for a dc power supply uses an optical feedback loop to minimize dissipation rather than the traditional optically isolated TRIAC drivers. Fig 2. The PSpice ...