
Application Notes
AN1007
2002 Teccor Electronics
Thyristor Product Catalog
AN1007 - 5
http://www.teccor.com
+1 972-580-7777
tally that general purpose AC circuits will generate minimum 
electromagnetic interference (EMI) if energized at zero voltage.
The ideal AC circuit switch, therefore, consists of a contact which 
closes at the instant when voltage across it is zero and opens at 
the instant when current through it is zero. This has become 
known as “zero-voltage switching.”
For applications that require synchronized zero-crossing turn-on, 
the illustration in Figure AN1007.11 shows a circuit which incor-
porates an optocoupler with a built-in zero-crossing detector
Figure AN1007.11
Optocoupled Circuit with Zero-crossing Turn-on 
(Triac or Alternistor)
Also, this circuit includes a dv/dt snubber network connected 
across the power triac. This typical circuit illustrates switching the 
hot line; however, the load may be connected to either the hot or 
neutral line. Also, note that the series gate resistor is low in value 
(22
 )
, which is possible on a 120 V line and above, since zero-
crossing turn-on is ensured in any initial half cycle.
Summary of Zero Crossing Turn-on Circuits
Zero voltage crossing turn-on opto-drivers are designed to limit 
turn-on voltage to less than 20 V. This reduces the amount of RFI 
and EMI generated when the thyristor switches on. Because of 
this zero turn-on, these devices cannot be used to phase control 
loads. Therefore, speed control of a motor and dimming of a 
lamp cannot be accomplished with zero turn-on opto-couplers.
Since the voltage is limited to 20 V or less, the series gate resis-
tor that limits the gate drive current has to be much lower with a 
zero crossing opto-driver. With typical inhibit voltage of 5 V, an 
alternistor triac gate could require a 160 mA at -30 °C (5 V/
0.16 A = 31
 
 gate resistor). If the load has a high inrush current, 
then drive the gate of the triac with as much current as reliably 
possible but stay under the I
TSM
 rating of the opto-driver. By using 
22
 
 for the gate resistor, a current of at least 227 mA is supplied 
with only 5 V, but limited to 909 mA if the voltage goes to 20 V. As 
shown in Figure AN1007.12, Figure AN1007.13, and Figure 
AN1007.14, a 22
 
 gate resistor is a good choice for various 
zero crossing controllers.
Figure AN1007.12
Zero Crossing Turn-on Opto Triac Driver
Figure AN1007.13
Zero Crossing Turn-on Non-sensitive SCR Driver
Figure AN1007.14
Zero Crossing Turn-on Opto-sensitive Gate SCR 
Driver
Rin
Vcc
1
120 V ac
MT2
MT1
2
3
Load
6
0.1 μF
4
5
Hot
Neutral
Zero
Crossing
Circuit 
G
100
22
Triac or
Alternistor
MT2
0.1
μ
f
100 
Load
MT1
Hot
Neutral
120/240 V ac
G
22
Input
Rin
1
6
5
4
3
2
Load could be here
instead of lower location
Zero
Crossing
Circuit
Rin
1
G
120/240 V ac
2
3
0.1
μ
F
Load
6
4
5
22
K
A
100
G
A
K
Non-sensitive Gate SCRs
Load could be here
instead of lower location
Zero
Crossing
Circuit
Input
Rin
1
G
120/240 V ac
2
3
0.1 
μ
F
Load
6
4
5
22
K
A
100
G
A
K
Sensitive Gate SCRs
Load could be here
instead of lower location
Zero
Crossing
Circuit
Input
1 K
1 K
*
*
 Gate Diodes to Have
   Same PIV as SCRs