Is it possible to break a circuit electronically?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the possibility of using electronic logic circuits to break a circuit path, particularly in the context of controlling power supply to electrical components. Participants explore various electronic components and their capabilities in this application.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that logic circuits can indeed be used to break a circuit path, with examples like multiplexers (MUXes) and logic gates that can enable or disable signals.
  • One participant specifically mentions the desire to use a logic circuit to break the power supply of another electrical component.
  • There is a question raised about the capability of a demultiplexer to handle AC current.
  • Another participant notes that triacs designed for AC voltages and currents exist, and mentions the use of optocouplers to trigger these triacs with isolated logic signals.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying views on the methods and components that can be used to break a circuit electronically, indicating that multiple competing approaches and uncertainties remain in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the definitions of "break" in the context of circuit paths, as well as the specific capabilities of components like demultiplexers and triacs in handling different types of current.

U4edot
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I know you can use fueses, switches, and circuit breakers.
But is it possible to use a logic circuit to break a circuit path?
 
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U4edot said:
I know you can use fueses, switches, and circuit breakers.
But is it possible to use a logic circuit to break a circuit path?

Sure. Depends on what you mean by "break", though. You can use multiplexers (MUXes) to select which logic signal you want to route into another circuit, for example. You can use logic gates to enable or disable a signal continuing on. You can use a Tri-State output gate to enable or disable a signal from continuing on...
 
Say I want to use a logic circuit to break the power supply of another electrical component.
 
OK, I read a bit on Wikipedia
Does anyone know if a demultiplexer can handle AC current?
 
There are triacs specifically designed to handle AC voltages and currents. There are optocouplers that permit using floating (electrically isolated) logic signals to trigger the triacs.
 
Thanks for the input I'll look at this when I get off work
 

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