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Experiment 1: Silicon Controlled Rectifier

Introduction:

The Silicon Controlled Rectifier (SCR) is one of many devices classified as a thyristor. It is a
four-layer, three terminal device which acts like a latch with a trigger input. These devices have
many applications in commercial and industrial electronics.
In this experiment you will see the basic operation of the SCR and characteristics, then
emulate one application of an SCR, phase control.

Source: Experiments in Electronic Fundamentals and Electric Circuit Fundamentals (Buchla, David)

Learning Objective/s:

After successful completion of this experiment, students should be able to:

• Understand the basic operational characteristics of an SCR.

• Learn about SCR operation in a basic phase control circuit.

Equipment and Materials:

***For this specific activity, the Multisim software will be utilized. Make sure that this
application is already installed in your PC or gadget. If not, find a way to have it installed.
Use equivalent components if unavailable.

Procedure:
1. Construct the circuit given in Figure 1.
 Figure 1
Source: Electronic Devices (Floyd.)

2. Insert an LED between RA and the SCR.

3. Determine the gate current and anode current when the SCR is triggered on (SW1 is closed).

IG(ON) = __0.39 mA___

IA(ON) = __0.374 A____

4. If SW2 is closed, determine the Anode Current.

IA = __0.383 A_____

5. If the supply voltage VA is reduced to 12 V, will the SCR turn on? Explain.

By reducing the voltage in the anode part to 12V, I have observed that voltage and current
continued to flow through the anode resistor and LED which turned the LED on, but after passing
through the junction between the SW2 and the SCR, current stopped flowing before entering the
Anode junction of the SCR but voltage is still present. Next, upon checking the voltage and current
after passing through the SCR’s cathode junction, current is still flowing which I assumed came from
the SCR’s gate junction since they have the same value, but the voltage is gone.

Yes, the SCR 2N5060 will still turn on even if reduced to 12 V since it doesn’t require a specific
voltage rating in its Anode junction for it to turn on as long as there is current flowing that exceeds
its required holding current.

Half Wave Power Control Circuit

6. Construct the circuit from Figure 2.

 Figure 2
Source: Electronic Devices (Floyd.)

7. Show the voltage waveform (use oscilloscope) across the SCR from anode to cathode. Vary
variable resistor R2 setting and observe how VAK changes.

8. Show the load current waveform in relation to number 7.

Simulation Environment:

1. (Attach Pictures of working circuitries for Fig.1 and Fig. 2)

Figure 1.1: Working Circuit of Fig.1 Figure 1.2: Fig.1 with SW1 closed.
Figure 1.3: Fig.1 with SW1 and SW2 closed. Figure 1.4: Fig.1 with VA reduced to 12V.

Figure 1.5: Working Circuit of Fig. 2 with oscilloscope.

2. (Attach Pictures of output graph for Fig. 2)

Fig. 2.1: Voltage waveform across SCR at R2 = 500 ohms

Fig. 2.2: Voltage waveform across SCR at R2 = 15% of 500 ohms (75 ohms)

Fig. 2.3: Voltage waveform across SCR at R2 = 35% of 500 ohms (175 ohms)

Fig. 2.4: Voltage waveform across SCR at R2 = 65% of 500 ohms (325 ohms)
Fig. 2.5: Voltage waveform across SCR at R2 = 85% of 500 ohms (425 ohms)

Fig. 2.6: Voltage waveform across SCR in relation to RL

at R2 = 500 ohms

Fig. 2.7: Voltage waveform across SCR in relation to RL

at R2 = 15% of 500 ohms (75 ohms)
Fig. 2.8: Voltage waveform across SCR in relation to RL at
R2 = 35% of 500 ohms (175 ohms)

Fig. 2.9: Voltage waveform across SCR in relation to RL at

R2 = 65% of 500 ohms (325 ohms)

Fig. 2.10: Voltage waveform across SCR in relation to RL at

R2 = 85% of 500 ohms (425 ohms)
Questions to answer:

1. Explain how to turn on/off an SCR in a DC circuit.

2. What will happen if the SCR current is less than the Holding Current? Explain
3. Can you think of a household application for the SCR? Discuss this application and explain
how it would operate.

Answers to Questions:

1. To control the conduction of a Silicon Controlled Rectifier (SCR) in a DC circuit, one can
employ various methods. When turning on an SCR, typically, a voltage exceeding its
forward breakover voltage (VBO) is applied across the anode and cathode terminals while
a positive gate current is simultaneously injected. This gate current, usually a short pulse,
triggers the SCR into a conducting state. Once triggered, the SCR remains on until the
current through it falls below a certain threshold called the holding current. To turn off the
SCR, one can either reduce the anode-cathode current below the holding current or apply
a reverse voltage across the SCR, reversing the current direction and causing it to turn off
abruptly. Another method for controlled turn-off is to apply a negative gate current or a pulse
with reverse polarity to force the SCR into a non-conductive state.

2. When the current through a Silicon Controlled Rectifier (SCR) falls below the holding
current, the SCR will turn off and cease to conduct. This behavior is crucial for maintaining
control and safety in many electrical circuits. If the SCR current drops below the holding
current, it means that the device is no longer in its "latched" or conducting state. In this
condition, the SCR essentially becomes non-conductive, allowing the circuit to break and
interrupt the flow of current. This feature is especially useful for protection circuits and
control applications where precise switching and isolation are necessary. It ensures that the
SCR does not remain in the "on" state unintentionally and helps prevent overheating or
damage to the circuit components. In summary, when the SCR current is less than the
holding current, the SCR turns off, effectively breaking the electrical connection and
providing control over the circuit's operation.

3. One valuable household application for the Silicon Controlled Rectifier (SCR) is in electric
stovetop heating elements. In this context, the SCR is used to control the temperature of
the heating element to maintain a desired cooking temperature. Here's how it operates:
When you set a specific heat level on the stovetop, a control circuit adjusts the gate current
applied to the SCR. Initially, the SCR is off, and no power flows to the heating element. As
you turn the temperature control knob, the gate current gradually increases, causing the
SCR to enter its conducting state. This allows electricity to flow through the heating element,
generating heat. By regulating the gate current, you can precisely control the temperature,
ensuring your food cooks evenly and at the desired heat level. SCR-based stovetop
elements provide quick responsiveness and precise temperature control, making them an
essential part of modern kitchen appliances.
Reflections:

Exploring the basic operational characteristics of a Silicon Controlled Rectifier (SCR) and
its operation in a basic phase control circuit through hands-on simulation using Multisim
has been an enlightening experience. By virtually constructing SCR circuits, I could
observe firsthand how gate current, and voltage interact to control conduction, making
abstract theory come to life. This interactive approach enhanced my comprehension of
SCR behavior, from its triggering to maintaining a conducting state and its ability to cut off
current below the holding current threshold. Moreover, the use of Multisim allowed for
practical experimentation without real-world risks, fostering a deeper understanding of the
SCR's application in phase control circuits. This experience not only improved my technical
skills but also underscored the importance of simulation tools in facilitating comprehensive
learning and experimentation in electronics.

Compiled and submitted by:

Engr. Mark P. Melegrito

Faculty