Thyristors - TRIACsDiscrete semiconductor products are individual electronic components that are made from a single type of semiconductor material, such as silicon or germanium. These products can include a variety of different types of components, such as diodes, transistors, and thyristors. Thyristors, also known as TRIACs (triode for alternating current), are a type of solid-state device that can be used to control the flow of current in an electrical circuit. Thyristors are typically used in applications where it is necessary to switch large amounts of power, such as in electric motors, power supplies, and lighting controls. Thyristors are unique among semiconductor devices in that they can conduct current in both directions, allowing them to be used in AC (alternating current) circuits.