Designing a Low-cost Electric Range Control Using a Triac

Applying mechatronics’ principles to traditional mechanical components can result in a more
sophisticated and cost-effective control

By Reston Condit,
Microchip Technology Inc.

Most countertop cooking appliances like electric ranges, skillets, and fryers have an adjustable mechanical thermostat to vary the heat output of the range. This solution is inexpensive, but there are several drawbacks to mechanical thermostats:
•  Mechanical thermostats have to be calibrated at the factory.
•  They have poor simmer performance (control is not precise at low temperatures).
•  The accuracy of these devices is poor.
•  Mechanical components wear out over time.
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