How to Gradually Ramp 230V AC Output 0–230V Over 0–5s With Switch Control, No Relays

The discussion centers on designing a circuit to gradually ramp an AC output voltage from 0 to 230 V over a variable time period (0–5 seconds), controlled by a switch, without using relays. The input is 230 V AC at up to 20 A, and the output must similarly handle 0–230 V AC at up to 20 A. A variac (variable autotransformer) with a motorized wiper controlled by a linear ramp signal is suggested for smooth voltage variation, though it is bulky and may require a relay or solid-state relay for instant cutoff. The original poster prefers a compact, automatic solution and considers using a triac for power control but lacks knowledge on triggering circuits. It is recommended to use a microcontroller to generate a ramp control voltage that drives a triac-based dimmer circuit, with references to online dimmer schematics and ramp generator circuits (e.g., relaxation oscillators). The importance of starting with low voltages and building foundational electronics knowledge before attempting high-power AC control is emphasized. No specific circuit diagrams were provided, but resources for beginners and example dimmer circuits were shared.
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