
The MOC3021 is an optically isolated triac driver IC designed for controlling TRIACs and AC loads while providing complete electrical isolation between low-voltage control circuits and high-voltage AC power circuits. It integrates an infrared LED and a light-activated bilateral switch (phototriac) within a compact package, enabling safe and reliable switching of mains-powered devices.
Unlike zero-cross optocouplers, the MOC3021 features random-phase triggering, making it ideal for phase-angle control applications such as light dimmers, motor speed controllers, heater controllers, and AC power regulation systems.
The MOC3021 is widely used with microcontrollers such as Arduino, ESP32, STM32, and Raspberry Pi to safely interface low-voltage digital circuits with AC-powered equipment.