It handles currents in milli-ampere rather than ampere.

SCS is different from SCR because:

• It has the additional Gate (anode gate)

• It is physically small than the SCR

• It has smaller leakage and holding current than SCR

• It needs small triggering signals

• It gives more uniform triggering characteristics from sample to sample

• The SCS is formed of two transistors Q1 and Q2 back to back as shown in fig B

• If there is a negative pulse at the anode gate G2, it causes transistor Q1 to switch on. Transistor
Q1 supplies base current to transistor Q2 and both transistor switch-on. Similarly a positive pulse
at the cathode gate G1 can switch the device on since only small currents are involved, the SCS
may be switched off by an appropriate polarity pulse at one of the gates. At the cathode gate a
negative pulse is required for switching –off while at the anode gate a positive pulse is needed.
The volt-ampere characteristic of an SCS is similar to SCR. With the increased in applied voltage, the
current first increases slowly up to point A and then rapidly in the region AB, in ON state the current
increases. SCS gets switched on accidentally if anode voltage applied. This is known as rate effect, which
is caused by inter-electrode capacitance between electrodes G1 and G2 known as transition capacitance.

ADVANTAGES

1. Typically within the range of 1 to 10 micro seconds for the SCS and 5 to 30 micro seconds for the
SCR

2. The SCS is limited to low power, current, and voltage ratings (typically maximum anode currents
range from 100 mA to 300 mA with dissipation rating of 100 to 500mW)

APPLICATION

* SCS include a variety of computer circuits such as counters, registers and timing circuit
REFERENCES

• http://www.circuitstoday.com/scs-silicon-controlled-switch

• https://www.allaboutcircuits.com/textbook/semiconductors/chpt-7/silicon-controlled-
switch-scs/