The smallest stand-alone trigger in the world can fire the largest thyristor you would ever use!
Replaces pulse transformers and associated components, no gate drive power supply needed, A 12mA control signal is the only requirement, for line voltages from 100 - 2 500Vac, all modules have optically-isolated inputs (5KV, VDE0884), capable of triggering amplifying-gate thyristors, units for triggering two thyristors for DC/AC control, units for triggering one thyristor via fibre-optic cable, will trigger under any load conditions, connects directly to the outputs of microcontrollers, microprocessors, CPLDs and FPGAs.
Question of Size
For equal performance, the Active Trigger Unit saves at least 50% of space in comparison with standard pulse transformer technology. This space saving takes into consideration the practical layout of the board where minimum track separation for conformance to VDE standards is observed. In addition the increased size of the power supply and all the drive circuitry adds to the space.
Benefits and Application
Requires no gate drive power and triggers any thyristor. Reduced printed circuit board cost due to its small footprint and the elimination of the gate drive power supply. Typical applications include: Controlled rectifiers and DC drives, AC controllers, AC Drives, Softstarters, Zero-cross switching in heaters and welders, Power factor correction, high power Solid State Relays, Electrostatic precipitators, HVDC electricity transmission, in fact, WHEREVER a thyristor is used.
Question of Cost
The cost of the conventional trigger circuit consists of the pulse transformer and all associated circuitry, the additional size of the power supply, the additional printed circuit board area, acquisition costs, inventory costs and labour. Adding all this and comparing the Active Trigger Unit with a system of equivalent performance for a 400 - 690V ac line, then the cost factor becomes relevant specially when considering low leakage inductance high performance pulse transformers. A further advantage is gained when a 1200V unit can be used.