70-0215 Rev A, March 05

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SCR (Thyristor) latch project, 70-0215

The SCR or thyristor is a power handling device but can be used as an ON – OFF latching circuit. A
positive voltage applied to the anode with the cathode negative will have no effect on the SCR (current
will not flow). It is only when a current is applied to the gate that the SCR switches ON and anode
current flows. Once this anode current flows then the gate current can be removed and the anode
current will continue to flow (SCR stays ON). To switch the SCR off the anode current must be reduced to
zero, this is easily achieved by bypassing the anode current to the cathode with a small switch. Releasing
the switch will result in the SCR being OFF and stays off until a gate current is momentarily applied. Like
all diode type devices a current limiting resistor or load must be placed in the anode circuit.
Assembly. To assemble this circuit follow the procedure on page 2.

70-0215 Rev A, March 05

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Procedure.

1. Identify all the components you will use. 2. Place and solder the resistors R1 R2. 3. Now place and
solder the two push buttons and the LED. 4. Place and solder the battery clip and SCR1. 5. Check the
circuit works by connecting a battery to the clip. Pressing the ON button momentarily should put the LED
ON. Pressing the OFF button momentarily should put the LED OFF.

Component list

Reference Description Rapid Order Code

R1 2k2 0.25W 62-0378

R2 470 0.25W 62-0362

SCR1 2N5060 47-3266

PB1 & PB2 Tactile push button 78-0600

LED Red 55-0117

PCB SCR PCB 70-0220

Battery Clip PP3 clip 18-0094

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Basic latching circuit with DPDT relay

Assembly.

To assemble this circuit follow the procedure below:

Procedure.

1. Identify all the components you will use. 2. Place and solder the resistors R1, R2 and D1. 3. Now place
and solder the two push buttons and the LED. 4. Place and solder the relay RL1. 5. Place and solder the
battery clip and SCR2. 6. Check the circuit works by connecting a battery to the clip. Pressing the ON
button momentarily should put the LED ON and energise the relay. Pressing the OFF button momentarily
should put the LED OFF and de-energise the relay.

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The relay outputs can have pins soldered to the PCB or wires soldered directly.

Component list
Reference Description Rapid Order Code

R1 2k2 0.25W 62-0378

R2 470 0.25W 62-0362

SCR2 TIC106D 47-3270

PB1 & PB2 Tactile push button 78-0600

RL1 5V DPDT relay 60-4690

LED Red 55-0117

D1 1N4004 47-3136

PCB SCR PCB 70-0220

Battery clip PP3 18-0094

Complete PCB and layout.