IXYS CPC1998J SSR use as AC switch

[synonymous]

Hello

I'm looking at the IXYS CPC1998J SSR and it's use as an AC power relay.

First, are these types for use on transformer primary noisy?

Second, apparently this device needs a constant current >10mA and <50mA to work effectively. Ideas on simplest circuit for activation?

Third, do these things in practice last any longer than the mechanical counterparts?

Thanks much

 

[Elvee]

First, are these types for use on transformer primary noisy?

Not particularly; as with any type of controlled rectifier, there will be a small dead band at the current inversion, but nothing catastrophic.
This particular type however has a problem with the application you have in mind: it has a zero-cross turn on circuit, which happens to be exactly the worst possible for iron-cored magnetic loads.
You would need to find the equivalent suited to inductive loads (turn-on at the peak voltage). In general, it means a different suffix letter in the type N°.

Second, apparently this device needs a constant current >10mA and <50mA to work effectively. Ideas on simplest circuit for activation?

Depends on your source of activation; no problem with a microcontroller output for example

Third, do these things in practice last any longer than the mechanical counterparts?

If properly pampered, yes, otherwise they will fail at the first unpleasant event, surge current, overvoltage, etc