During which part of the AC cycle does a TRIAC conduct?

A TRIAC, or Triode for Alternating Current, is a semiconductor device that can conduct current in both directions when it is triggered. This unique capability allows a TRIAC to turn on and stay on for both the positive and negative halves of an alternating current (AC) cycle.

When a TRIAC is triggered, it allows current to flow regardless of the polarity of the voltage across it. This means that during the positive half of the AC cycle, the TRIAC will conduct when it is triggered, allowing current to pass through. Similarly, during the negative half, it can also conduct as long as it has been triggered in that cycle. The ability to conduct during both halves makes TRIACs particularly useful in applications like light dimmers, motor speed controls, and other forms of power control in AC circuits.

The response aligns with the operational characteristics of the TRIAC, distinguishing it from other types of devices that might only operate during one polarity of the AC waveform.