SCR / Thyristor

• Circuit Symbol and Terminal Identification

ANODE

SCR
2N3668
GATE

CATHODE
 SCR / Thyristor

• Anode and Cathode

terminals as
conventional pn ANODE
junction diode
SCR
2N3668
GATE
• Gate terminal for a
controlling input
signal CATHODE
 SCR/ Thyristor

• An SCR (Thyristor) is a “controlled”

rectifier (diode)
• Control the conduction under forward bias
by applying a current into the Gate
terminal
• Under reverse bias, looks like
conventional pn junction diode
 SCR / Thyristor
Anode
• 4-layer (pnpn) device
• Anode, Cathode as P
for a conventional pn
junction diode
N

Gate
• Cathode Gate P
brought out for
controlling input N

Cathode
 ANODE Equivalent Circuit

ANODE

Q1

N N
BJT_PNP_VIRTUAL

GATE
P Q2
P
GATE
BJT_NPN_VIRTUAL

CATHODE

CATHODE
 Apply Biasing
Variable
50V

With the Gate terminal

OPEN, both transistors are IF
ANODE (A)
OFF. As the applied
voltage increases, there will Q1 IC2=IB1
be a “breakdown” that
BJT_PNP_VIRTUAL
causes both transistors to
conduct (saturate) making GATE (G) IC1 = IB2 Q2

IF > 0 and VAK = 0.

BJT_NPN_VIRTUAL

VBreakdown = VBR(F)
IF
CATHODE (K)
 Volt-Ampere Characteristic

IF

Holding Current IH

VBR(F) VAK

Breakdown Voltage
 Apply a Gate Current
For 0 < VAK < VBR(F), Variable
50V

Turn Q2 ON by applying a IF
current into the Gate ANODE (A)

Q1 IC2 = IB1
This causes Q1 to turn ON, and
BJT_PNP_VIRTUAL
eventually both transistors
SATURATE
IB2 Q2
GATE (G)
VAK = VCEsat + VBEsat
BJT_NPN_VIRTUAL
VG
If the Gate pulse is removed, IF
Q1 and Q2 still stay ON! CATHODE (K)
 How do you turn it OFF?

• Cause the forward current to fall below the

value if the “holding” current, IH

• Reverse bias the device

 SCR Application – Power Control
XSC1

G
T
A B When the voltage across
the capacitor reaches the
“trigger-point” voltage of
the device, the SCR turns
ON, current flows in the
R Load for the remainder of
25kOhm 60%
Key = a the positive half-cycle.
D1
Vs 2N1776
170V
120.21V_rms
60Hz Current flow stops when
0Deg
C the applied voltage goes
Rload
15ohm
0.01uF
negative.
Input / Output Voltages
 Look at the LOAD Current

Conduction time  Conduction Angle = 180 - 

“Firing” time  Firing Angle ()

 Holding Current
• This is a minimum anode current required to
maintain the thyristor in on state
• To turn off the device forward anode current must
be reduced below its holding current for a
sufficient time the mobile charge carriers to
vacate the junction. If anode current is not
maintained for sufficient time the SCR will not go
in fully blocking state due to which if the anode to
cathode voltage rises the device may go to
conduction without triggering
 Latching current
• This is minimum anode current required to
maintain the thyristor in ON state
immediately the gate signal has been
removed. The minimum gate current is
required to applied until the anode current
become greater the IL the thyristor will turn
ON