2.

Turn On and Turn Off methods of SCR

1. What is commutation and state various commutation methods of SCR.

Ans: The method of turning off the SCR is called commutation. The various commutation methods are

(i) Natural Commutation or Class F commutation

(ii) Forced Commutation
a. Class A or Resonant commutation
b. Class B or self- commutation
c. Class C or complimentary commutation
d. Class D or Auxiliary commutation
e. Class E or External pulse commutation

2. Draw and explain Class A commutation with neat circuit and waveforms

Ans:

Lower values of R

➢ This is also known as Self Commutation by Resonating the Load or simply the Resonant Commutation
or load commutation.
➢ Here the commutating components are selected such that their combination forms a underdamped
resonant circuit.(R2 < 4L/C )
➢ When such a circuit is excited by a dc source, the current waveform as shown in the fig B can be
obtained.
➢ This current has zero value at point A, Hence the SCR is turned off at this point. Beyond this point the
current is reversed, which assures definite commutation of SCR
➢ This type of commutation is mostly used in series inverters.
3. Explain Class B commutation with neat circuit diagram.

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Course: BPE Class: EJ4IA/B
 2. Turn On and Turn Off methods of SCR

➢ When the supply voltage is applied, the capacitor starts charging with the polarity as shown.
➢ When the SCR is triggered, the current through the SCR is as follows:

(i)Load current IL from Edc – T- RL - Edc

(ii) Discharging current of capacitor Ic

➢ When the SCR is turned on, the capacitor C starts discharging through C-L-T-C.
➢ When the capacitor discharges completely, it starts getting charged with reverse polarity.
➢ Due to the reverse voltage across the capacitor, a commutation current I c starts flowing through the
SCR, which opposes the load current.
➢ When the commutating current Ic becomes equal to or greater than the load current, SCR goes into
off state.
➢ This type of commutation is used in DC choppers.

4. Explain with circuit diagram the operation of class C commutation.

➢ Initially, both SCRs are in OFF state so the capacitor voltage is also zero.
➢ When the SCR1 or main SCR is triggered (by applying a pulse to its gate), current starts flowing in two
paths:
▪ 1.The load current IL through Vdc+ – RL – SCR1 – Vdc–
▪ 2.The charging current of the capacitor IC through Vdc+ – R1 – C – SCR1 – Vdc–.
➢ Therefore, the capacitor starts charging up to the value of Vdc, with the polarity as shown in the
above.
➢ When the SCR2 is triggered (by applying a pulse to its gate), it is turned ON. As a result, the negative
polarity of the Capacitor is applied across the SCR1 and turns it off.
➢ Now, the capacitor charges through the load and the path is Vdc+ – RL – C– SCR2 – Vdc–. The polarity of
the capacitor is now reversed.
➢ If the SCR 1 is triggered once again, the capacitor voltage will be applied across T2 which reverse
biases T2 & turns it OFF.
➢ This commutation is mainly used in McMurray Bedford inverter.

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Course: BPE Class: EJ4IA/B
 2. Turn On and Turn Off methods of SCR
5. Compare R-triggering and RC- triggering of SCR (any four points)

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Course: BPE Class: EJ4IA/B