Antiparallel (electronics)
Encyclopedia
In electronics, two anti-parallel or inverse-parallel devices are connected in parallel but with their polarities
reversed.
One example is the TRIAC
, which is comparable to two thyristors connected back-to-back (in other words, reverse parallel), but on a single piece of silicon.
Two LEDs can be paired this way, so that each protects the other from reverse voltage. A series string of such pairs can be connected to AC or DC power, with an appropriate resistor. With AC, the LEDs in each pair take turns emitting light, on alternate half-cycles of supply power. Some two-color LEDs are constructed this way, with the two dies connected antiparallel in one casing.
Electrical polarity
Electrical polarity is present in every electrical circuit. Electrons flow from the negative pole to the positive pole. In a direct current circuit, one pole is always negative, the other pole is always positive and the electrons flow in one direction only...
reversed.
One example is the TRIAC
TRIAC
TRIAC, from Triode for Alternating Current, is a genericized tradename for an electronic component that can conduct current in either direction when it is triggered , and is formally called a bidirectional triode thyristor or bilateral triode thyristor.TRIACs belong to the thyristor family and are...
, which is comparable to two thyristors connected back-to-back (in other words, reverse parallel), but on a single piece of silicon.
Two LEDs can be paired this way, so that each protects the other from reverse voltage. A series string of such pairs can be connected to AC or DC power, with an appropriate resistor. With AC, the LEDs in each pair take turns emitting light, on alternate half-cycles of supply power. Some two-color LEDs are constructed this way, with the two dies connected antiparallel in one casing.