is sensed by thermistor RT, which is part of the bridge
circuit consisting of R4, R5, R6, R7, D2 and RT. The detec-
tor for the bridge is transistor 02. R7 is set so the bridge
is in balance at the desired temperature. As the temper-
ature increases, RT decreases, 02 turns on and provides
gate drive to SCR 03. 03 turns on and shunts the gate
signal away from the TRIAC 04.04 shuts off and removes
power to the load. Now, as the temperature drops, RT
increases and 02 turns off, SCR 03 turns off, and full-
wave power is applied to the load. Normally, the circuit
would continue to cycle randomly, providing groups of
full power to the heater load. However, modulation is
applied to proportion the load power in response to small
changes in RT. The modulation is achieved by super-
imposing a sawtooth voltage on one arm of the bridge
through R3. The period of the sawtooth is set to equal
12 cycles of the line frequency. From one to all 12 cycles
can be applied to the load, thus allowing the load power
to modulate in 8% steps from 0% to 100% duty cycle. The
sawtooth voltage is generated by the unijunction tran-
sistor relaxation oscillator consisting of R2, R3, R4, C2
and 01. The sawtooth wave modulates the bridge voltage
so that over a portion ofthe twelve-cycle group the bridge
voltage will be above the null point, and over the other
portion it will be below the null point. This action divides
each twelve-cycle group into an on portion and an off
portion, the proportioning depending upon the amount
RT has varied from the nominal value. This circuit pro-
vides excellent control of a resistance heater as it will
tend to stabilize and apply the correct amount of power
on a continuous basis at a steady-state duty cycle
depending on the load requirements. The temperature is
therefore controlled over a very narrow range and no
EMI is generated.
TRIAC RELAY-CONTACT PROTECTION
A common problem in contact switching high current
is arcing which causes erosion of the contacts. A solution
to this problem is illustrated in Figure 6.107. This circuit
can be used to prevent relay contact arcing for loads up
to 50 amperes.
There is some delay between the time a relay coil is
energized and the time the contacts close. There is also
a delay between the time the coil is de-energized and the
time the contacts open. For the relay used in this circuit
both times are about 15 ms. The TRIAC across the relay
contacts will turn on as soon as sufficient gate current is
present to fire it. This occurs after switch Sl is closed but
before the relay contacts close. When the contacts close,
the load current passes through them, rather than
through the TRIAC, even though the TRIAC is receiving
gate current. If S1 should be closed during the negative
half cycle of the ac line, the TRIAC will not turn on imme-
diately but will wait until the voltage begins to go posi-
tive, at which time diode Dl conducts providing gate
MOTOROLA THYRISTOR DEVICE DATA
1-6-57
R3
47 C2
O.l/LF
Q12N5569
Sl
115 V RELAY WITH PICK Rl
115VAC UP AND DROPOUT TIMES 1.5 k
60 Hz OF 10-20 ms lOW
DllN4004 R2
10
lOW
Cl +
20/LF
250 V
Figure 6.107. TRIAC Prevents Relay Contact Arcing
current through Rl. The maximum time that could elapse
before the TRIAC turns on is 8-1/3 ms for the 60 Hz supply.
This is adequate to ensure that the TRIAC will be on
before the relay contact closes. During the positive half
cycle, capacitor Cl is charged through Dl and R2. This
stores energy in the capacitor so that it can be used to
keep the TRIAC on after switch Sl has been opened. The
time constant of Rl plus R2 and C1 is set so that sufficient
gate current is present at the time of relay drop-out after
the opening of Sl, to assure that the TRIAC will still be
on. For the relay used, this time is 15 ms. The TRIAC
therefore limits the maximum voltage, across the relay
contacts upon dropout to the TRIAC's voltage drop of
about 1 volt. The TRIAC will conduct until its gate current
falls below the threshold level, after which it will turn off
when the anode current goes to zero. The TRIAC will
conduct for several cycles after the relay contacts open.
This circuit not only reduces contact bounce and arcing
but also reduces the physical size of the relay. Since the
relay is not required to interrupt the load current, its rat-
ing can be based on two factors: the first is the rms rating
of the current-carrying metal, and the second is the con-
tact area. This means that many well-designed 5 ampere
relays can be used in a 50 ampere load circuit. Because
the size of the relay has been reduced, so will the noise
on closing. Another advantage of this circuit is that the
life of the relay will be increased since it will not be sub-
jected to contact burning, welding, etc.
The RC circuit shown across the contact and TRIAC (R3
and C2) is to reduce dvldt if any other switching element
is used in the line.