SCRs are unidirectional (one-way) current devices, making them useful for controlling DC only. If two SCRs are joined in back-to-back parallel fashion just like two Shockley diodes were joined together to form a DIAC, we have a new device known as the TRIAC. The TRIAC is a three terminal semiconductor device for controlling current. It is effectively a development of the SCR or thyristor, but unlike the thyristor which is only able to conduct in one direction, the TRIAC is a bidirectional device.
Gideon received six failed STMicroelectronics STW37N60DM2AG 600V MOSFETs for failure analysis. These high voltage N-channel Power MOSFET are part of the MDmesh™ DM2 fast recovery diode series. They offer a very low recovery charge (Qrr) and time (trr) combined with low RDS(on), rendering it suitable for the most demanding high-efficiency converters and ideal for bridge topologies and ZVS phase-shift converters. These were installed on an H-bridge with assured engineering support that there was no waveform overlapping during the transition.
Gideon Analytical Laboratories received two acrylic film capacitors for electronic failure analysis. Six good capacitors were also provided for comparison. A capacitor is a passive two-terminal electrical component that stores potential energy in an electric field. The effect of a capacitor is known as capacitance. While some capacitance exists between any two electrical conductors in proximity in a circuit, a capacitor is a component designed to add capacitance to a circuit.
Gideon Analytical Laboratories received five failed ST Microelectronics BTA16-800 triacs and one good ST Microelectronics BTA16-800 triac for comparison. A triac is a generic trademark for a three terminal electronic component that conducts current in either direction when triggered. Its formal name is bidirectional triode thyristor or bilateral triode thyristor. The goal was to determine the cause of these failures.
Gideon Analytical Laboratories went straight to work conducting failure analysis on theST Microelectronics BTA16-800 triacs.
Gideon Analytical Laboratories received two Vishay phototriac 4208s for failure analysis. A TRIAC is a generic trademark for a three-terminal electronic component that conducts current in either direction when triggered. Its formal name is bidirectional triode thyristor or bilateral triode thyristor. A thyristor is analogous to a relay in that a small voltage and current can control a much larger voltage and current.TRIACs are a subset of thyristors and are related to silicon controlled rectifiers(SCRs).
Gideon Analytical Labs received one failed ST Microelectronics BTA06 Triac a TO-220AB package. The device was reported to have failed post-burn-in.
This Triac is suitable for general purpose AC switching according to ST Micro. They can be used as an ON/OFF function in applications such as static relays, heating regulation, induction motor starting circuits or for phase control operation in light dimmers, motor speed controllers. The specially recommended for use on inductive loads, thanks to their high commutation performances.
Gideon Analytical Laboratories received one failed optocoupler, along with two optocouplers for comparison. As a type of isolator favored by manufacturers, photocouplers
serve as noise protectors in many electronic devices. This optocoupler has a minimum isolation voltage of 5300 Vrms, a typical input voltage of 1.16 V, and a peak output voltage of 600V. The goal was to identify the cause of the failure.
The optocoupler was electrically tested. The input functioned normally with VF 1.
