What is the difference between thyristor dimming and MOSFET dimming?

Thread Starter

Young2

Joined Dec 7, 2020
93
If the luminaire's driver power supply has been written to support the cut phase set light, then whether to use the dimmer silicon or MOSFET dimmers?
 

DickCappels

Joined Aug 21, 2008
10,138
If the controller expects the early part of each cycle to be (variably) cut, a triac would be an excellent choice. If it expects the later part of the phase is to be cut (which would be a rare case) then you need something you can turn off easily like a MOSFET or IGBT.

Most likely you need a triac.
 

DickCappels

Joined Aug 21, 2008
10,138
Since Youg2 mentions phase cut dimming, I think this can only be done with AC, but yes, MOSFETs are easier than thyristors when switching DC -it is far easier to turn off MOSFETs.
 

Thread Starter

Young2

Joined Dec 7, 2020
93
If the controller expects the early part of each cycle to be (variably) cut, a triac would be an excellent choice. If it expects the later part of the phase is to be cut (which would be a rare case) then you need something you can turn off easily like a MOSFET or IGBT.

Most likely you need a triac.
Very good explanation, thanks a lot!
 
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