Solid state switches

A thyristor (, from a combination of Greek language θύρα, meaning "door" or "valve", and transistor) is a solid-state semiconductor device which can be thought of as being a highly robust and switchable diode, allowing the passage of current in one direction but not the other, often under control of a gate electrode, that is used in high-power applications like inverters and radar generators. It usually consists of four layers of alternating P- and N-type materials. It acts as a bistable switch (or a latch). There are two designs, differing in what triggers the conducting state. In a three-lea

A TRIAC (triode for alternating current; also bidirectional triode thyristor or bilateral triode thyristor) is a three-terminal electronic component that conducts current in either direction when triggered. The term TRIAC is a genericized trademark.

three-terminal power semiconductor device

thumb|80px|Three-layer DIAC The DIAC (diode for alternating current) is a diode that conducts electrical current only after its breakover voltage, VBO, has been reached momentarily. Three, four, and five layer structures may be used. Behavior is similar to the voltage breakdown of a TRIAC without a gate terminal.

class=skin-invert-image|thumb|right|Schematic diagram of an opto-isolator showing source of light (LED) on the left, dielectric barrier in the center, and sensor (phototransistor) on the right

electronic switching device in which a small control signal controls a larger load current or voltage

four layer semiconductor diode

semiconductor device

semiconductor electronic device with three p–n junctions, mainly used in devices where the control of high power is demanded

power MOS field-effect transistor

electronic component that behaves in a similar way to a relay, but has no moving parts

power semiconductor electronic device

type of thyristor

type of thyristor device

Opto-isolator with a photo resistor as optical receiver