The MOC3021 is a Zero-Crossing TRIAC driven Optocoupler or Optoisolator. As we know the term Optocoupler/optoisolater means the same that is we use light to indirectly couple to sets of circuits. The speciality of MOC3021 is that it has Zero-Crossing ability and is driven by a Triac.
Since the output is driven by a TRIAC we can drive loads upto 400V and the triac can conduct in both directions hence controlling AC loads will not be a problem. Also since it has zero-crossing ability, when the AC load is switched on for the first time the TRIAC will start conductiong only after the AC wave reaches 0V this way we can avoid direct peak voltages to the Load and thus preventing it from getting damaged. It also has a decent rise and fall time and hence can be used to control the output voltage.
This features of MOC3021 makes it an ideal choice for controlling high voltage AC loads through digital controllers like MPU/MCU. Since the output is controlled we can control the intensity of the light or the speed of a AC motor. So if you are looking for a opto-isolator to control a AC application through DC then this IC might be the right choice for you.
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