The trinistor switch-a solid-state power relay

The Trinistor switch is a new semiconductor device which can be used to provide control of large amounts of load power. The characteristics of the Trinistor switch are similar to those of a thyratron because the Trinistor will either absorb a high voltage and prevent the flow of load current or break over to a low voltage and allow load current to flow. A third terminal can be used for the application of a control current which initiates this breakover action. The switching efficiency of the Trinistor is quite high because the device can block a voltage of several hundred volts at a few milliamperes leakage or conduct 50 amperes of current at a voltage drop of about 1.0 volt. A power control device such as the Trinistor switch can be used to control either ac or dc power with a minimum of associated circuitry. This device can be used in place of relays or other switching devices to provide contactless switching in circuits which have a minimum of weight and require a minimum of space.