DIAC A diac is a two-terminal semiconductor device that can

conduct current in either direction when activated

DIAC
Diac functions basically like two
parallel 4 layer diodes turned in opposite directions

SCR WORKING ( Case 1: Gate open )

DIAC CHARACTERISTIC CURVE

TRIAC
A triac is like a diac with a gate terminal

TRIAC

Triac basically functions like two parallel SCRs turned in

opposite directions with a common gate terminal

TRIAC CHARACTERISTIC CURVE

REFERENCE
ELECTRONIC DEVICES & CIRCUITS BY DAVID A BELL