Abstract: A solid state relay comprising a pair of SCRs connected in inverse parallel relationship across a pair of output terminals adapted to be connected in series with a source of AC power and a load, each SCR having an anode connected to one of the pair of output terminals, a cathode connected to another of the pair of output terminals, and a gate terminal; a pair of MOSFETs connected as a bidirectional switch for providing a single current path connecting the gate terminals of each of the pair of SCRs, the bidirectional switch allowing current application to the gate terminals without generating switching noise; a pair of diodes allowing current to transfer in one direction from each of the output terminals to each of the gate terminals of the SCRs; a source of optically coupled input signals which are applied to rapidly enable the bidirectional switch to provide a current path to the gate terminals of the SCRs and to maintain the bidirectional switch in the on condition as long as an input signal is furnished by