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what is opto-isolated zero-crossing detector? and where can i get one ? — Parallax Forums

what is opto-isolated zero-crossing detector? and where can i get one ?

gaubien2000gaubien2000 Posts: 8
edited 2009-03-07 18:40 in General Discussion
what is opto-isolated zero-crossing detector? and where can i get one ?

Comments

  • dandreaedandreae Posts: 1,375
    edited 2009-03-07 18:05
    This is being moved to the Sandbox.

    Dave



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    Dave Andreae

    Parallax Tech Support·
  • Mike GreenMike Green Posts: 23,101
    edited 2009-03-07 18:40
    A zero crossing detector is a device that detects when an AC waveform switches polarity (crosses zero volts from positive to negative or negative to positive).
    Anything that's opto-isolated has the input circuitry and output circuitry electrically isolated and usually insulated for a couple of thousand volts. This is done by optically coupling the input and output, usually using an LED and photodetector separated by a transparent insulator.

    Fairchild Semiconductor makes lots of them that have triac outputs designed for triggering a power triac for light dimmer applications. There are some on the market with logic outputs for use with a microprocessor, but I don't have a link to one. Any of the electronics parts distributors that sell to hobbyists like DigiKey, Mouser, Jameco, and others would carry them.

    Please do not post duplicate messages. It's against forum rules. You should delete one of your messages using the X in the right upper corner of the message box.

    Post Edited (Mike Green) : 3/7/2009 6:46:51 PM GMT
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