V 0121 Controlled Rectifiers
3. Controlled Rectifiers
3.1 The Controlled Single-pulse Mid-point Circuit M1C
3.1.1 General
If you want to influence the output voltage amplitude of
a rectifier, you need controllable valves, thyristors.
With the help of a thyristor, a rectifier circuit can be set
up in which the ignition of a valve is delayed and there-
fore part of the input voltage ,,cut off“.
This is also known as ,,phase gate control with rectifying
effect“.
The basic relationships can be explained using a circuit
with just one thyristor. This is the controlled single-pulse
US
U in
Fig. 3.1.1.1 Controlled single-pulse mid-point circuit M1C
45
mid-point circuit M1C. This circuit is rarely used in
practice but it is ideal for explaining the functional prin-
ciple of controlled rectifiers because its structure is so
simple.
The AC voltage US is applied to the load RL through
the thyristor. The thyristor only becomes conductive if
the voltage potential at its anode is more positive than
the potential at its cathode and if it receives a positive
firing impulse UGC at its gate at the same time.
V1
U GC Ud RL
46 Controlled Rectifiers V 0121

U GC [V ]

0 UGC = firing voltage

,t

U S [V]

0 US = mains voltage
,t

U V 1 [V]

0 UV 1 = thyristor off-state voltage

,t

U d [V]
I d [mA]

0 Ud = output voltage
0 1 2 3 4 5 ,t
Id = output current

Fig. 3.1.1.2 Signal flows in the controlled single-pulse mid-point circuit M1C

In time t0 the voltage US changes its polarity, here a
normal diode would become conductive (or 0.7 V ,,later“
to be exact). We refer to the natural firing time. For the
thyristor, this is the first possible firing time.
In time t1, US has grown to a positive value without the
thyristor conducting. The whole AC voltage US is avail-
able through the thyristor as an off-state voltage. Al-
though it receives emitter diode voltage, it is in fact in
the off-state. We say the thyristor receives emitter diode
off-state voltage.
In time t2 the thyristor receives a firing pulse U GC and
goes into the on-state. The through-connection – also
known as firing – is delayed by control angle in relation
to the natural firing point. In the diagramme = 90°.
In time t3 the thyristor is in the on-state; a load current
Id is flowing and the very small off-state voltage U V of
approx. 1 V is available at the thyristor.
In time t4 the driving voltage U S is equal to zero. The
current Id is also equal to zero and therefore below the
holding current of the thyristor. The thyristor blocks.
In our example therefore the load current I d flows from
= 90° ... = 180°. We say that the current flow angle
is 90°.
V 0121 Controlled Rectifiers 47

The following applies for a pure ohmic load:
= 180° -
In time t5 the polarity of the voltage has reversed once
more. The thyristor receives off-state voltage in reverse
direction and is therefore in the so-called reverse block-
ing state.
The structure of the firing voltage generator is not gone
into detail here. It will be treated in chapter 3.3.

3.1.2 The Influence of Different Loads on the Behaviour of the Converter

The thyristor receives a firing pulse from the phase gate
control. The control angle should be = 90°.
When the thyristor is fired, the voltage Ud jumps imme-
diately to the threshold value of the mains voltage U S.
The current does not increase suddenly, however, be-
cause the inductance delays the increase in current.
The coil consumes energy up to the point where the
voltage US crosses the zero axis. Then the current is re-
duced. However, since the current is not yet zero, the
thyristor does not block yet either and U d assumes the
potential of the negative half-wave of the mains voltage.
The current does not drop below the holding current of
the thyristor until it also wants to become negative,
causing the thyristor to block. The energy in the coil is
equal to zero at this moment. Since the thyristor blocks,
Ud is also zero.

V1

U GC
L
20 mH

US Ud
RL
27

Id

Fig. 3.1.2.1 Controlled converters on ohmic-inductive load

48 Controlled Rectifiers V 0121

U GC [V ]

0 UGC = firing voltage

= 90° ,t

U S [V]

0 US = mains voltage
,t

Ud
U d [V] d
I d [mA ]

0 Ud = output voltage
,t
Id = output current

Fig. 3.1.2.2 Signal flows in the M1C circuit with ohmic-inductive load (idealised representation)

3.1.3 Experiments Section

Notes on the following measurements:

The adjustor for the firing angle W in the phase gate
control should be deactivated. It must be turned to the
right stop to do this.
For the measurements in this section, the phase gate
control requires a control voltage in the +U range.
Therefore set the setpoint potentiometer between +10 V
and 0 V.
Connect the output of the potentiometer to the control
input +U of the phase angle control .
The number of the firing transformer should be specified
instead of the firing voltage. For example, 1 stands for
firing transformer 1 of phase gate control . One con-
nection of the firing transformer is marked by a point.
This connection must be connected to the gate. The
second connection must be connected to the cathode.
The oscilloscope should be triggered internally with
LINE for all oscillogrammes. If the mains voltage US
and the output voltage U d have no common reference
point, they have to be measured separately one after
the other.
V 0121 Controlled Rectifiers 49

Experiment 1

Measuring currents and voltages in the controlled single-pulse mid-point circuit M1C

Procedure

Set up the circuit as shown in fig. 3.1.3.1 with the Oscilloscope the following variables:
POWER BOARD (see also fig. 3.1.3.2).
- mains voltage US
Note: - output voltage Ud
Use the thyristor 1 from the single-phase bridge .

Set a control angle of = 90°. Enter the curves in the diagramme provided, fig.
3.1.3.3.
Connect the purely ohmic resistor as a load.

phase gate control

L1

+10 V
2
3
+
+
INH. W - 1
+U
4

0V
V1
L1

RL
US Ud 27

Id

Fig. 3.1.3.1
V 0121 Controlled Rectifiers 51

-0 Mains voltage US : . . . . V / div.

Output voltage U d: . . . . V / div.

Fig. 3.1.3.3 angle: 90° / div.

Question:

How great are the current flow duration and current flow angle on ohmic load and at a control angle of 90°?

Answer:

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52 Controlled Rectifiers V 0121

Experiment 2

The influence of an inductive component in the load on the behaviour of the M1C circuit

Procedure

Now connect the series circuit of inductance, load - coil voltage UL

resistor and measuring resistor as a load. - load current Id
Oscilloscope the following variables with a control
angle of 90°: Enter the curves in the diagrammes provided, figs.
3.1.3.5 and 3.1.3.6.
- mains voltage U S
- output voltage U d

phase gate control

L1

+10 V
2
3
+
+
- 1
+U
4

0V
V
L1

R
U U

Fig. 3.1.3.4
V 0121 Controlled Rectifiers 53

-0 Mains voltage US : . . . . V / div.

Output voltage U d: . . . . V / div.

Fig. 3.1.3.5 angle: 90° / div.

-0 Coil voltage U L: . . . . V / div.

Load current I d: . . . . A / div.

^ . . . . V / div.

Fig. 3.1.3.6 angle: 90° / div.

54 Controlled Rectifiers V 0121

Question 1:

How great could the current flow angle be theoretically at maximum with this mixed load?

Answer:

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Question 2:

How do you explain the fact that brief negative voltages occur on the output side of the M1C circuit when an
ohmic-inductive load is connected?

Answer:

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Question 3:

What voltage is applied at the coil (pure AC voltage, pure DC voltage or mixed voltage)?

Answer:

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V 0121 Controlled Rectifiers 55

Question 4:

Compare Id and UL (fig. 3.1.3.6).

a) At what point does the coil voltage change its sign?

b) For how long is U L negative?

c) At what intervals does the coil consume energy and when does it emit energy?

Answer:

a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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56 Controlled Rectifiers V 0121

Notes:
V 0121 Controlled Rectifiers 57

3.2 The Controlled Double-pulse Bridge Circuit B2C

3.2.1 General
In order to be able to control the output voltage Ud of
a double-pulse bridge circuit by phase gating, this bridge
circuit must have controllable semiconductor valves.
Fig. 3.2.1.1 shows such a circuit.
With the four thyristors it is then possible to delay firing
in both the positive and negative half-waves of the mains
voltage US. The thyristors V1 and V4 carry the load
current Id during the positive half-wave and the thyristors
V2 and V3 during the negative half-wave.
To generate a current flow, the thyristors V1 and V4
must conduct simultaneously. The same applies for the
thyristors V 2 and V3 during the negative half-wave. This
means the associated thyristors must receive their firing
pulses at the same time respectively.
The appropriate drive circuit is explained in detail in
chapter 3.3.

V1 V3 Id
L1

US Ud RL

N
V2 V4

Fig. 3.2.1.1 Controlled double-pulse bridge circuit B2C

58 Controlled Rectifiers V 0121

3.2.2 Experiments Section

Experiment 1

Measuring currents and voltages in the controlled double-pulse bridge circuit B2C

Procedure

Set up the circuit as shown in fig. 3.2.2.1. Oscilloscope the following variables:

Note: Use the single-phase bridge and the phase - output voltage U d
gate control . - thyristor currents IV 2 and IV 4

Set a firing angle of = 144°. Enter the curves in the specified diagrammes, figs.
Connect the ohmic resistor as a load. 3.2.2.2 and 3.2.2.3.

phase gate control

L1

+10 V
2
3
+
+
+U INH. W - 1

G
4

0V

1 3

L1 N
RL
2 4 27

0,5 0,5

Fig. 3.2.2.1
V 0121 Controlled Rectifiers 59

-0 Output voltage Ud: . . . . V / div.

-0 Thyristor current I V 2 : . . . . A / div.

^ . . . . V / div.

Fig. 3.2.2.2 angle: 36° / div.

-0 Thyristor current I V 4: . . . . A / div.

^ . . . . V / div.

Fig. 3.2.2.3 angle: 36° / div.

60 Controlled Rectifiers V 0121

Experiment 2

Influence of an inductive component in the load on the behaviour of the B2C circuit

Procedure

Connect the series circuit of inductance and resistor Enter the curves in the diagrammes provided, figs.
as a load (fig. 3.2.2.4). 3.2.2.5 and 3.2.2.6.

Oscilloscope the following variables:

- output voltage U d
- output current Id
- coil voltage UL

phase gate control

L1

+10 V
2
3
+
+
+U INH. W - 1

G
4

0V

1 3 L
20mH
L1 N
RL
2 4 27

Rm
0,5 0,5 0,5

Fig. 3.2.2.4
V 0121 Controlled Rectifiers 61

-0 Output voltage Ud: . . . . V / div.

Fig. 3.2.2.5 angle: 36° / div.

-0 Coit voltage UL: . . . . V / div.

Output current I d: . . . . A / div.

^ . . . . V / div.

Fig. 3.2.2.6 angle: 36° / div.

62 Controlled Rectifiers V 0121

Question 1:

What is the phase relation of the four firing pulses to each other?

Answer:

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Question 2:

How do you recognise that the coil sometimes operates as a generator?

Answer:

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V 0121 Controlled Rectifiers 63

3.3 The Phase Gate Control Circuit

3.3.1 General
In order to be able to operate a fully controlled double-pulse
bridge circuit B2C, you need a drive circuit which supplies
four electrically isolated firing pulses of which two pairs
respectively are synchronised. The other two pulses must
be offset 180°.
These firing pulses must be permanently connected to
the mains voltage. They must also be variable in phase
with a shift voltage Uin. You require a circuit with the
following setup for this:

synchroni-
mains voltage
sation stage

shift
control voltage
stage

channel potential 2
separation I isolation I 3
pulse
generation 1
channel potential
separation II isolation II 4

Fig. 3.3.1.1 Principle circuit diagramme of the drive circuit

64 Controlled Rectifiers V 0121

Fig. 3.3.1.2 Realisation of the gate control circuit used in the POWER BOARD

A sawtooth generator is ,,started“ in the synchronisa- separation. This gives us separate signals only during
tion stage of the mains voltage zero crossing. This the positive and during the negative half-wave.
always applies its positive edge in the zero crossing of
the mains voltage. In addition, information signals are Finally the firing signals are fed through firing transfor-
generated for the positive and negative half-wave in this mers in the potential isolation which have the job of
stage. generating two respectively separate synchronous firing
signals. At the same time, however, the firing voltage
In the following shift stage the sawtooth voltage is UGC is increased by switching the transmission induct-
compared with the shift voltage U in. If the potential at ance on and off.
the non-inverting input of the comparator is more posi-
tive than the signal at the inverting input, the output
switches to +U. If the potential of the inverting input is
higher, the output jumps to 0 V. This produces a square-
wave signal which always has its positive edge in the
zero crossing of the mains voltage and is therefore
synchronised permanently to the mains. Its negative
edge can be moved back and forth between the zero
axis crossings of a half-wave with the shift voltage U in.
This signal must be conditioned in order to be able to
shift the firing time of the thyristor.

The signal is ,,AND linked“ with the information signals

for the positive and negative half-wave in the channel
V 0121 Controlled Rectifiers 65

3.3.2 Experiments Section

Experiment

Measuring the signal flows in the phase gate control in the POWER BOARD

Procedure

Set up the circuit as shown in fig. 3.3.2.1. Enter the curves in the diagrammes provided, figs.
3.3.2.2 and 3.3.2.3.
Set a control voltage of +6 V at the setpoint poten-
tiometer.

Oscilloscope the following variables:

Note:
- mains voltage US The potentiometer for the firing angle W in the phase
- firing voltage U 1 gate control must be inactive. It must be turned to the
right stop for this.
- firing voltage U 2

phase gate control

L1
U
+10 V
2 2

3
+
+ U
INH. W - 1 1
+U

G
4

0V

Fig. 3.3.2.1
66 Controlled Rectifiers V 0121

-0 Firing voltage U 1: . . . . V / div.

-0 Firing voltage U 2: . . . . V / div.

Fig. 3.3.2.2 angle: 36° / div.

-0 Mains voltage U S: . . . . V / div.

Fig. 3.3.2.3 angle: 36° / div.

V 0121 Controlled Rectifiers 67

Question 1:

If the single-phase bridge is to be controlled with the phase gate control , what assignment is required (table
3.3.2.1)?

Answer:

V1:

V2:
V1 V3 Id
V3:

L1 N Ud RL V4:

V2 V4 Table 3.3.2.1

Fig. 3.3.2.4
68 Controlled Rectifiers V 0121

Notes: