Management of powerful power loading from the microcontroller.

Sometimes you need a weak signal from the microcontroller to turn on a powerful load, such as a lamp in the room. Especially this problem is relevant to the developers of the smart home. The first thing that comes to mind is a relay. But do not hurry, there is a better way :)

In fact, the relay is a continuous hemorrhage. Firstly, they are expensive, and secondly, an amplifying transistor is needed to power the relay coil, since the weak leg of the microcontroller is not capable of such an achievement. Well, and thirdly, any relay is a very cumbersome design, especially if it is a power relay, designed for high current.

If we are talking about alternating current, it is better to use triacs or thyristors. What it is? And now I will tell. (Read completely)