Introduction

A silicon controlled rectifier or semiconductor controlled rectifier is a four-layer solid-

state current-controlling device. The name "silicon controlled rectifier" is General Electric's trade
name for a type of thyristor. The principle of four-layer p–n–p–n switching was developed by
Moll, Tanenbaum, Goldey, and Holonyak of Bell Laboratories in 1956. The practical
demonstration of silicon controlled switching and detailed theoretical behavior of a device in
agreement with the experimental results was presented by Dr Ian M. Mackintosh of Bell
Laboratories in January 1958. The SCR was developed by a team of power engineers led by
Gordon Hall and commercialized by Frank W. "Bill" Gutzwiller in 1957.

Some sources define silicon-controlled rectifiers and thyristors as synonymous[5] while other

sources define silicon-controlled rectifiers as a proper subset of the set of thyristors; the latter
being devices with at least four layers of alternating n- and p-type material. According to Bill
Gutzwiller, the terms "SCR" and "controlled rectifier" were earlier, and "thyristor" was applied
later, as usage of the device spread internationally.

The Silicon Controlled Rectifier (SCR) is the most important and mostly used member of the
thyristor family. SCR can be used for different applications like rectification, regulation of power
and inversion, etc. Like a diode, SCR is a unidirectional device that allows the current in one
direction and opposes in another direction unlike TRIACs, which are bidirectional (i.e. charge
carriers can flow through them in either direction). SCRs can be triggered normally only by a
positive current going into the gate as opposed to TRIACs, which can be triggered normally by
either a positive or a negative current applied to its gate electrode.

Figure 1 P-N-P-N Type of SCR

Why was SCR invented?

The invention of the SCR/Thyristor revolutionized the control of electric power conversion by

replacing the gas-filled controlled rectifier tube (the thyratron) with a three-terminal solid-state
device consistiing of an anode, a cathode and a gate.

Figure 2 Symbolic Representation of SCR

Simple SCR Circuit

Figure 2 A simple SCR circuit with a resistive load

A simple SCR circuit can be illustrated using an AC voltage source connected to a SCR with a
resistive load. Without an applied current pulse to the gate of the SCR, the SCR is left in its
forward blocking state. This makes the start of conduction of the SCR controllable. The delay
angle α, which is the instant the gate current pulse is applied with respect to the instant of natural
conduction (ωt = 0), controls the start of conduction. Once the SCR conducts, the SCR does not
turn off until the current through the SCR, is, becomes negative. is stays zero until another gate
current pulse is applied and SCR once again begins conducting

Different Types of SCRs and Packages

There are many types of SCR based on the specification and application. We have already
discussed about the popular SCRs like BT151, 2P4M, TYN608, etc. The SCRs are available in
different kinds of packages that can be used for different kinds of applications. The SCRs are
available in the following;
 Figure 3 Type of SCR

Discrete Plastic: The discrete Plastic package is a commonly known type of SCRs that has three
pins attached to a plastic-covered semiconductor material. These SCRs are of planar type
construction and they are the cheapest type of SCR when compared to other packages. They are
available up to 25A and 1000V applications, they can be easily mounted on any type of circuit
with a large number of other components.

 
Plastic Module: The Plastic module shares the similar features of the Discrete Plastic package, it
also contains more than one device and available in the current range up to 100A. Using these
modules will give a circuit a better finishing because they can be mounted to the boards with
bolting the heatsink to the circuit board.

Stud Base: The stud base device will be having a screwed base, it shares the dual advantage of
low thermal resistance and ease of mounting. They are available between the current range of
5 to 150 A and a full range of voltage. The only disadvantage it posses is that it cannot be easily
isolated from the heat sink

Flat Base: The Flat base shares the same features of the stud base SCR, the additional advantage
is that they are being isolated from the heatsink by a thin layer of insulation. They are available
in the current range between 10 to 400A.

Press Pack:  The press pack SCRs are used for high current applications of 200A or above and
applications with higher voltage exceeding 1200V. The SCR structure and the electrodes are
packed within a ceramic envelop that provides the required isolation between the anode and
cathode. Both the surface is clamped to the heat sink; hence they offer better electrical contact
resistance and minimum thermal resistance.

Working/Operation of SCR

The basic working principle in the SCR is that as the triggering or the biasing is applied at the
terminal gate then the conduction begins. As it is a unidirectional device the current will be in a
single direction. It resembles the operation of the diode but the only difference is that this can
withstand the high amount of voltages and powers.

Triggering
SCR triggering is a method of making the device turns ON. It needs to be applied with a
sufficient amount of biasing to the terminal gate. Hence it is known as SCR triggering or
Thyristor triggering. Finally as the device moves to the ON state or the conducting state, the
maximum amount of the current flows through the terminal anode. There are various types of
triggering in SCR involved. They are:

  1). Voltage Triggering

As the value of the forward voltage exceeds the maximum point that is the forward break over
voltage and the terminal gate is left open in this situation. This type of triggering in the Thyristor
or SCR is known as voltage triggering. But this is usually not preferred because SCRs are related
to control the high values of the voltages if the gate terminal is kept open it can’t meet the
requirements and results in the destruction of the device.

  2). Thermal Triggering

This triggering happens when the temperature in the device is increased. This increase results in
the increment of the hole and the electron pairs. Indirectly the current known as regenerative
current tends to increase by making the device turn ON. This kind of triggering is not preferred
because of the thermal heat condition there are the chances of thermal runaway.

  3). Light Triggering

In this type of triggering, the light rays are made to fall on the surfaces of the Thyristors so that
the number of the electron and the hole pairs tend to get multiplied in number. Hence the
Thyristor made to turn ON.

  4). dv/dt Triggering

If the rate of the voltage in between the terminals anode to the respective cathode is high in such
cases this rate of voltage is enough to turn ON the Thyristor. But the increment in the rate of the
current may destroy the device. Hence in this case of triggering protection must be provided for
the device.
  5). Gate Triggering

This type of triggering is most frequently used. In this case, the gate terminal is triggered so that
base on it the Thyristor can turn ON. As the device gets turned ON the control of the gate
terminal over the device is lost. The reason behind losing control is that the regeneration of the
charge carriers.

Modes of operation

Figure 4 Characteristic curve of a silicon-controlled rectifier

There are three modes of operation for an SCR depending upon the biasing given to it:

1. Forward blocking mode (off state)

2. Forward conduction mode (on state)
3. Reverse blocking mode (off state)

Forward blocking mode[l

In this mode of operation, the anode (+, p-doped side) is given a positive voltage while the
cathode (−, n-doped side) is given a negative voltage, keeping the gate at zero (0) potential i.e.
disconnected. In this case junction J1and J3 is forward-biased, while J2 is reASverse-biased,
allowing only a small leakage current from the anode to the cathode. When the applied voltage
reaches the break over value for J2, then J2 undergoes avalanche breakdown. At this break over
voltage J2 starts conducting, but below break over voltage J2 offers very high resistance to the
current and the SCR is said to be in the off state.

Forward conduction mode

An SCR can be brought from blocking mode to conduction mode in two ways: Either by
increasing the voltage between anode and cathode beyond the break over voltage, or by applying
a positive pulse at the gate. Once the SCR starts conducting, no more gate voltage is required to
maintain it in the ON state. The minimum current necessary to maintain the SCR in the ON state
on removal of the gate voltage is called the latching current.

There are two ways to turn it off:

1. Reduce the current through it below a minimum value called the holding current, or
2. With the gate turned off, short-circuit the anode and cathode momentarily with a push-
button switch or transistor across the junction.

Reverse blocking mode

When a negative voltage is applied to the anode and a positive voltage to the cathode, the SCR is
in reverse blocking mode, making J1 and J3 reverse biased and J2 forward biased. The device
behaves as two diodes connected in series. A small leakage current flows. This is the reverse
blocking mode. If the reverse voltage is increased, then at critical breakdown level, called the
reverse breakdown voltage (VBR), an avalanche occurs at J1 and J3 and the reverse current
increases rapidly. SCRs are available with reverse blocking capability, which adds to the forward
voltage drop because of the need to have a long, low-doped P1 region. Usually, the reverse
blocking voltage rating and forward blocking voltage rating are the same. The typical application
for a reverse blocking SCR is in current-source inverters.
An SCR incapable of blocking reverse voltage is known as an asymmetrical SCR,
abbreviated ASCR. It typically has a reverse breakdown rating in the tens of volts. ASCRs are
used where either a reverse conducting diode is applied in parallel (for example, in voltage-
source inverters) or where reverse voltage would never occur (for example, in switching power
supplies or DC traction choppers).

Asymmetrical SCRs can be fabricated with a reverse conducting diode in the same package.
These are known as RCTs, for reverse conducting thyristors.

Thyristor turn-on methods

1. Forward-Voltage Triggering
2. Gate Triggering
3. Dv/Dt Triggering
4. Temperature Triggering
5. Light Triggering

Forward-voltage triggering occurs when the anode–cathode forward voltage is increased with the
gate circuit opened. This is known as avalanche breakdown, during which junction J2 will break
down. At sufficient voltages, the thyristor changes to its on state with low voltage drop and large
forward current. In this case, J1 and J3 are already forward-biased.

In order for gate triggering to occur, the thyristor should be in the forward blocking state where
the applied voltage is less than the breakdown voltage, otherwise forward-voltage triggering may
occur. A single small positive voltage pulse can then be applied between the gate and the
cathode. This supplies a single gate current pulse that turns the thyristor onto its on state. In
practice, this is the most common method used to trigger a thyristor.

Temperature triggering occurs when the width of depletion region decreases as the temperature
is increased. When the SCR is near VPO a very small increase in temperature causes junction J2
to be removed which triggers the device.

Applications of SCR
The applications of SCR include the following.

 SCRs are capable of controlling the devices with the higher value of AC powers; they can
be utilized efficiently where the requirement is of controlling the devices with the high
value of the voltage and the power is present.  It is capable of converting the huge
amounts of power of type AC into DC. Hence making this an efficient Rectifier that can
withstand high voltages.
 In the controlling of Relays, these devices are used.
 In the elements where the induction heating concept is used they require the control of
power in such equipment. Hence these Thyristors are applicable in such concepts.
 As compared with electromechanical or mechanical switch, SCR has no moving parts.
Hence, with a high efficiency it can deliver noiseless operation.
 The switching speed is very high as it can perform 1 nano operations per second.
 These can be operated at high voltage and current ratings with a small gate current.
 More suitable for AC operations because at every zero position of the AC cycle the SCR
will automatically switch OFF.
  Small in size, hence easy to mount and trouble free service.

SCRs are mainly used in devices where the control of high power, possibly coupled with high
voltage, is demanded. Their operation makes them suitable for use in medium- to high-voltage
AC power control applications, such as lamp dimming, power regulators and motor control.

SCRs and similar devices are used for rectification of high-power AC in high-voltage dc power
transmission. They are also used in the control of welding machines, mainly GTAW (gas
tungsten arc welding) and similar processes. It is used as switch in various devices. Early Solid-
State Pinball machines made use of these to control lights, solenoids, and other functions
digitally, instead of mechanically, hence the name, Solid-state.

STOP
Milestones:SCR/Thyristor, 1957
https://ethw.org › Milestones:SCR › Thyristor,_1957

Search for: Why was SCR invented?

Why is it called silicon controlled rectifier?

Silicon controlled rectifier is also sometimes referred to as SCR diode, 4-layer diode, 4-
layer device, or Thyristor. It is made up of a silicon material which controls high
power and converts high AC current into DC current (rectification). Hence, it is
named as silicon controlled rectifier.

Silicon Controlled Rectifier (SCR) - Definition, Construction ...

https://www.physics-and-radio-electronics.com › silicon...

Search for: Why is it called silicon controlled rectifier?

What is silicon rectifier?

REVIEW: A Silicon-Controlled Rectifier, or SCR, is essentially a Shockley diode with
an extra terminal added. This extra terminal is called the gate, and it is used to trigger
the device into conduction (latch it) by the application of a small voltage.

The Silicon-Controlled Rectifier (SCR) | Thyristors - All About Circuits

https://www.allaboutcircuits.com › semiconductors › chpt-7

Search for: What is silicon rectifier?

What is the main application of SCR?

The main application of these rectifiers is involved in speed control of DC motor.

voltage, the SCRs can be used to differ the output voltage by adjusting the firing angle
or delay.
Who is the inventor of rectifier?

The mercury-arc rectifier was invented by US electrical engineer Peter Cooper

Hewitt at the turn of the 20th century. This revolutionary device is also known as the
Hewittic rectifier, mercury-arc valve or mercury-vapor rectifier
Who invented silicon controlled rectifier?

The silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) or thyristor proposed by William Shockley in 1950
and championed by Moll and others at Bell Labs was developed in 1956 by power
engineers at General Electric (G.E.), led by Gordon Hall and commercialized by G.E.'s
Frank W. "Bill" Gutzwiller.

Introduction

Modes of operation[edit]
Characteristic curve of a silicon-controlled rectifier

There are three modes of operation for an SCR depending upon the biasing given to it:

4. Forward blocking mode (off state)

5. Forward conduction mode (on state)
6. Reverse blocking mode (off state)

Forward blocking mode[edit]

In this mode of operation, the anode (+, p-doped side) is given a positive voltage while the cathode
(−, n-doped side) is given a negative voltage, keeping the gate at zero (0) potential i.e. disconnected.
In this case junction J1and J3 are forward-biased, while J2 is reverse-biased, allowing only a small
leakage current from the anode to the cathode. When the applied voltage reaches the breakover
value for J2, then J2 undergoes avalanche breakdown. At this breakover voltage J2 starts
conducting, but below breakover voltage J2 offers very high resistance to the current and the SCR is
said to be in the off state.

Forward conduction mode[edit]

An SCR can be brought from blocking mode to conduction mode in two ways: Either by increasing
the voltage between anode and cathode beyond the breakover voltage, or by applying a positive
pulse at the gate. Once the SCR starts conducting, no more gate voltage is required to maintain it in
the ON state. The minimum current necessary to maintain the SCR in the ON state on removal of
the gate voltage is called the latching current.

There are two ways to turn it off:

3. Reduce the current through it below a minimum value called the holding current, or
4. With the gate turned off, short-circuit the anode and cathode momentarily with a push-button
switch or transistor across the junction.

Reverse blocking mode[edit]

When a negative voltage is applied to the anode and a positive voltage to the cathode, the SCR is in
reverse blocking mode, making J1 and J3 reverse biased and J2 forward biased. The device
behaves as two diodes connected in series. A small leakage current flows. This is the reverse
blocking mode. If the reverse voltage is increased, then at critical breakdown level, called the
reverse breakdown voltage (VBR), an avalanche occurs at J1 and J3 and the reverse current
increases rapidly. SCRs are available with reverse blocking capability, which adds to the forward
voltage drop because of the need to have a long, low-doped P1 region. Usually, the reverse blocking
voltage rating and forward blocking voltage rating are the same. The typical application for a reverse
blocking SCR is in current-source inverters.

An SCR incapable of blocking reverse voltage is known as an asymmetrical SCR,

abbreviated ASCR. It typically has a reverse breakdown rating in the tens of volts. ASCRs are used
where either a reverse conducting diode is applied in parallel (for example, in voltage-source
inverters) or where reverse voltage would never occur (for example, in switching power supplies or
DC traction choppers).

Asymmetrical SCRs can be fabricated with a reverse conducting diode in the same package. These
are known as RCTs, for reverse conducting thyristors.

Thyristor turn-on methods[edit]

6. forward-voltage triggering
7. gate triggering
8. dv/dt triggering
9. temperature triggering
10. light triggering

Forward-voltage triggering occurs when the anode–cathode forward voltage is increased with the
gate circuit opened. This is known as avalanche breakdown, during which junction J2 will break
down. At sufficient voltages, the thyristor changes to its on state with low voltage drop and large
forward current. In this case, J1 and J3 are already forward-biased.

In order for gate triggering to occur, the thyristor should be in the forward blocking state where the
applied voltage is less than the breakdown voltage, otherwise forward-voltage triggering may occur.
A single small positive voltage pulse can then be applied between the gate and the cathode. This
supplies a single gate current pulse that turns the thyristor onto its on state. In practice, this is the
most common method used to trigger a thyristor.
Temperature triggering occurs when the width of depletion region decreases as the temperature is
increased. When the SCR is near VPO a very small increase in temperature causes junction J2 to
be removed which triggers the device.

Simple SCR Circuit[edit]

A simple SCR circuit with a resistive load

A simple SCR circuit can be illustrated using an AC voltage source connected to a SCR with a
resistive load. Without an applied current pulse to the gate of the SCR, the SCR is left in its forward
blocking state. This makes the start of conduction of the SCR controllable. The delay angle α, which
is the instant the gate current pulse is applied with respect to the instant of natural conduction (ωt =
0), controls the start of conduction. Once the SCR conducts, the SCR does not turn off until the
current through the SCR, is, becomes negative. is stays zero until another gate current pulse is
applied and SCR once again begins conducting. [9]

Applications[edit]
SCRs are mainly used in devices where the control of high power, possibly coupled with high
voltage, is demanded. Their operation makes them suitable for use in medium- to high-voltage AC
power control applications, such as lamp dimming, power regulators and motor control.

SCRs and similar devices are used for rectification of high-power AC in high-voltage dc power
transmission. They are also used in the control of welding machines, mainly GTAW (gas tungsten
arc welding) and similar processes. It is used as switch in various devices. Early Solid-State
Pinball machines made use of these to control lights, solenoids, and other functions digitally, instead
of mechanically, hence the name, Solid-state.

Comparison with SCS[edit]

A silicon-controlled switch (SCS) behaves nearly the same way as an SCR; but there are a few
differences: Unlike an SCR, an SCS switches off when a positive voltage/input current is applied to
another anode gate lead. Unlike an SCR, an SCS can also be triggered into conduction when a
negative voltage/output current is applied to that same lead.

SCSs are useful in practically all circuits that need a switch that turns on/off through two distinct
control pulses. This includes power-switching circuits, logic circuits, lamp drivers, counters, etc.

Compared to TRIACs[edit]
A TRIAC resembles an SCR in that both act as electrically controlled switches. Unlike an SCR, a
TRIAC can pass current in either direction. Thus, TRIACs are particularly useful for AC applications.
TRIACs have three leads: a gate lead and two conducting leads, referred to as MT1 and MT2. If no
current/voltage is applied to the gate lead, the TRIAC switches off. On the other hand, if the trigger
voltage is applied to the gate lead, the TRIAC switches on.

TRIACs are suitable for light-dimming circuits, phase-control circuits, AC power-switching circuits,

AC motor control circuits, etc.

See also[edit]

 High-voltage direct current

 Gate turn-off thyristor
 Insulated-gate bipolar transistor
 Integrated gate-commutated thyristor
 Voltage regulator
 Snubber
 Crowbar (circuit)
 DIAC
 BJT

References[edit]

1. ^ Moll, J.; Tanenbaum, M.; Goldey, J.; Holonyak, N. (September 1956). "P-N-P-N Transistor
Switches". Proceedings of the IRE. 44 (9): 1174–1182. doi:10.1109/jrproc.1956.275172. ISSN 0096-
8390. S2CID 51673404.
 2. ^ Vasseur, J. P. (2016-06-06). Properties and Applications of Transistors.
Elsevier. ISBN 9781483138886.
3. ^ Twist, Jo (2005-04-18). "Law that has driven digital life". BBC News. Retrieved 2018-07-27.
4. ^ Ward, Jack. "The Early History of the Silicon Controlled Rectifier". p. 6. Retrieved 12 April 2014.
5. ^ Christiansen, Donald; Alexander, Charles; Jurgen, Ronald (2005). Standard Handbook of Electronic
Engineering, 5th Edition. Mcgraw-hill. ISBN 9780071384216.
6. ^ International Electrotechnical Commission 60747-6 standard
7. ^ Dorf, Richard C. (1997-09-26). The Electrical Engineering Handbook,Second Edition. CRC
Press. ISBN 9781420049763.
8. ^ Ward, Jack. "The Early History of the Silicon Controlled Rectifier". p. 7. Retrieved 12 April 2014.
9. ^ Mohan, Ned (2012). Power Electronics: A First Course. United States: Don Fowley. pp. 230–
231. ISBN 978-1-118-07480-0.

Further reading[edit]

 ON Semiconductor (November 2006). Thyristor Theory and Design Considerations (PDF) (rev.1,

HBD855/D ed.). p. 240.
 G. K. Mithal. Industrial and Power Electronics.
 K. B. Khanchandani. Power Electronics.

External links[edit]

 SCR at AllAboutCircuits
 SCR Circuit Design

[adsense1]

SCR is a three terminal device; anode, cathode and gate as shown in figure.
SCR has built in feature to turn ON or OFF and its switching is controlled by
biasing conditions and gate input terminal.
This results in varying the average power delivered at the load , by varying the
ON periods of the SCR. It can handle several thousands of voltages and
currents. SCR symbol and its terminals are shown in figure.

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Construction of Silicon Controlled Rectifier

The SCR is a four layer and three terminal device. The four layers made of P and
N layers, are arranged alternately such that they form three junctions J1, J2 and
J3. These junctions are either alloyed or diffused based on the type of
construction.

The outer layers (P and N-layers) are heavily doped whereas middle P and N-
layers are lightly doped. The gate terminal is taken at the middle P-layer, anode
is from outer P- layer and cathode is from N- layer terminals. The SCR is made
of silicon because compared to germanium leakage current in silicon is very
small.
To manufacture the SCR, three types of constructions are used, namely the
planar type, Mesa type and Press pack type. For low power SCRs, planar
construction is used where all the junctions in an SCR are diffused. In mesa type
construction, junction J2 is formed by diffusion method and thereby outer layers
are alloyed to it.

This construction is mainly used for high power Silicon Controlled Rectifiers. To
provide high mechanical strength, the SCR is braced with plates made up of
either molybdenum or tungsten. And one of these plates is soldered to a copper
stud which is further threaded to connect the heat sink.

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Working or Modes of Operation of SCR

Depending on the biasing given to the SCR, the operation of SCR is divided into
three modes. They are
 1.  Forward blocking Mode
2.  Forward Conduction Mode and
3.  Reverse Blocking Mode

Forward Blocking Mode

In this mode of operation, the Silicon Controlled Rectifier is connected such that
the anode terminal is made positive with respect to cathode while the gate
terminal kept open. In this state junctions J1 and J3 are forward biased and the
junction J2 reverse biased.

Due to this, a small leakage current flows through the SCR. Until the voltage
applied across the SCR is more than the break over voltage of it, SCR offers a
very high resistance to the current flow. Therefore, the SCR acts as a open
switch in this mode by blocking forward current flowing through the SCR as
shown in the VI characteristics curve of the SCR.

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Forward Conduction Mode

In this mode, SCR or thyristor comes into the conduction mode from blocking
mode. It can be done in two ways as either by applying positive pulse to gate
terminal or by increasing the forward voltage (or voltage across the anode and
cathode) beyond the break over voltage of the SCR.

Once any one of these methods is applied, the avalanche breakdown occurs at
junction J2. Therefore the SCR turns into conduction mode and acts as a closed
switch thereby current starts flowing through it.
Note that in the VI characteristic figure, if the gate current value is high, the
minimum will be the time to come in conduction mode as Ig3 > Ig2 > Ig1. In this
mode, maximum current flows through the SCR and its value depends on the
load resistance or impedance.

It is also noted that if gate current is increasing, the voltage required to turn ON
the SCR is less if gate biasing is preferred. The current at which the SCR turns
into conduction mode from blocking mode is called as latching current (IL).

And also when the forward current reaches to level at which the SCR returns to
blocking state is called as holding current (IH). At this holding current level,
depletion region starts to develop around junction J2. Hence the holding current
is slightly less than the latching current.

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Reverse Blocking Mode

In this mode of operation, cathode is made positive with respect to anode. Then
the junctions J1 and J3 are reverse biased and J2 is forward biased. This reverse
voltage drives the SCR into reverse blocking region results to flow a small
leakage current through it and acts as an open switch as shown in figure.

So, the device offers a high impedance in this mode until the voltage applied is
less than the reverse breakdown voltage VBR of the SCR. If the reverse applied
voltage is increased beyond the VBR, then avalanche breakdown occurs at
junctions J1 and J3 which results to increase reverse current flow through the
SCR.

This reverse current causes more losses in the SCR and even to increase the
heat of it. So there will be a considerable damage to the SCR when the reverse
voltage applied more than VBR.

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Two Transistor Analogy of SCR

The two transistor analogy or two transistor model of SCR expresses the easiest
way to understand the working of SCR by visualizing it as a combination of two
transistors as shown in figure. The collector of each transistor is connected to the
base of the other transistor.

Assume that load resistance is connected between the anode and cathode
terminals and a small voltage is applied at the gate and cathode terminals. When
there is no gate voltage, the transistor 2 is in cut-off mode due to zero base
current. Therefore, no current flows through the collector and hence the base of
transistor T1. Hence, both transistors are open circuited and thereby no current
flows through the load.

When a particular voltage is applied between the gate and cathode, a small base
current flows through the base of the transistor 2 and thereby collector current
will increase. And hence the base current at the transistor T1 drives the transistor
into saturation mode and thus load current will flow from anode to cathode.

From the above figure the base current of transistor T2 becomes the collector
current of transistor T1 and vice-versa.

Hence

Ib2 = Ic1 and Ic2 = Ib1

 Also current through the cathode terminal, Ik = Ig + Ia ……(1)

For a transistor,

Ib1 = Ie1 – Ic1 ……(2)

and Ic1 = α1Ie1 + Ico1……(3)

Where Ico1 is the leakage current.

Substituting equation 3 in equation 2 we get

Ib1 = Ie1 (1 – α1) – Ico1 …….(4)

From the figure anode current is the emitter current of transistor T1,

Ia = Ie1

Then Ib1 = Ia (1 – α1) – Ico1

And also for transistor T2

Ic2 = α2Ie2 + Ico2

But Ik = Ie2

Therefore Ic2 = α2Ik + Ico2

 Ic2 = α2 (Ig + Ia) + Ico2 …..(5)

But Ib1 = Ic2 …..(6)

Substituting the equations 4 and 5 in equation 6 we get

Ia (1 – α1) – Ico1 = α2 (Ig + Ia) + Ico2

Ia = [α2 Ig + Ico1 + Ico2] / [1- (α1 + α2)]

By assuming the leakage currents are negligible in both transistors we get

Ia = [α2 Ig] / [1- (α1 + α2)]

where α1 and α2 are the respective gains of the two transistors.

SCR Turn ON Methods

From the above equation, if (α1 + α2) is equal to one then Ia becomes infinite.
That means anode current suddenly rises to a high value and latches into
conduction mode from non-conductive state. This is called regenerative action of
SCR. So for triggering of SCR the gate current value (α1 + α2) must approach to
unity. From the obtained equation the conditions to turn the SCR into turn ON are

1. The leakage current through the SCR will increase when the temperature of
the device is very high. This turns the SCR into conduction.
2. When the current flowing through the device is extremely small then α1 and α2
are very small. The conditions for break over voltage are the larger values of
electron multiplication factor Mn and hole multiplication factor Mp near the
junction J2. Therefore the by increasing the voltage across the device to break
over voltage VBO causes the junction J2 breakdown and thereby the SCR is
turned ON.

3. And also by increasing α1 and α2 break over condition is achieved. The

current gains of the transistors depend on the value of Ig so by increasing Ig,
SCR can be turned ON.

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SCR Turn OFF Methods

An SCR cannot be turned OFF through the gate terminal like turning ON
process. To turn OFF the SCR, anode current must be reduced to a level below
the holding current level of the SCR. The process of turning OFF the SCR is
called as commutation. Two major types of commutating the SCR are,

1.  Natural Commutation and

2.  Forced Commutation
Forced commutation is again classified into several types such as

 Class A Commutation
 Class B Commutation
 Class C Commutation
 Class D Commutation
  Class E Commutation
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DC Motor Control Using SCR

Consider the below figure in which SCRs are used to control the speed of the DC
motor. As we that DC motor consists of a field and armature windings. By
controlling the voltage applied to the armature, the speed of the DC motor is
controlled.

The AC mains supply is connected to transformer primary and to the secondary

winding , two SCRs are connected in parallel as shown in figure. The output from
these SCRs drives the DC motor. The field winding is connected through the
diodes which gives uncontrollable DC power to the field winding.
During the positive half cycle of the input, SCR1 is forward biased and when the
triggering pulse is given to the gate, SCR1 starts conducting. So the load current
flows to the DC motor through SCR1. During the negative half cycle of the input,
SCR 2 is forward biased and SCR 1 is reverse biased and hence SCR1 is turned
OFF.

When the gate triggering is given to SCR2 , it starts conducting. By varying the
trigger input to the respective SCRs the average output to the DC motor is varied
and hence its speed is controlled.

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AC Motor Control Using SCR

An AC induction motor speed is controlled by varying the stator voltage applied

to it. The below figure shows the connection of SCR for varying the voltage
applied to the stator of induction motor.

Each phase consists of two anti-parallel SCRs, one for positive peak and another
for negative peak. Therefore, total six SCR configurations are used for producing
the variable power.
The input three phase AC supply is given to the three phase induction motor via
these set of thyristors. When these SCRs are triggered with delayed pulses,
the average voltage applied to the induction motor is get varied and hence the
speed.

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Advantages of Silicon Controlled Rectifier

1.  As compared with electromechanical or mechanical switch, SCR has no

moving parts. Hence, with a high efficiency it can deliver noiseless
operation.
 2. The switching speed is very high as it can perform 1 nano operations per
second.
3. These can be operated at high voltage and current ratings with a small
gate current.
4. More suitable for AC operations because at every zero position of the AC
cycle the SCR will automatically switch OFF.
5.  Small in size, hence easy to mount and trouble free service.
Back to top

Summary

1.  The Silicon Controlled Rectifier behaves like a switch with two states that
is either non-conducting or conducting.
2.  There are three modes in which SCR operates. Those are forward
blocking, forward conduction mode and reverse blocking mode.
3.  There are mainly two ways to turn ON the SCR that means either by
increasing the voltage across the SCR beyond the break over voltage of
the SCR or by applying a small voltage to the gate. The typical value of the
gate is 1.5 V, 30 mA . If the gate current is increased the SCR will turn ON
at much reduced supply voltage.
4.  The SCR cannot be turned OFF through the gate so to open the SCR,
applied voltage must reduced to zero.
5.  Silicon Controlled Rectifier can be used for both AC and DC switching
applications.
HomeElectrical

SCR Advantages, Disadvantages and

Applications
 byDeepakkumar Yadav•Wednesday, September 23, 2020
0

Advantages of SCR
1. It can handle large voltages, currents and power.

2. The voltage drop across conducting SCR is small. This will reduce the power dissipation in the SCR.

3. Easy to turn on.

4. Triggering circuits are simple.

5. It can be protected with the help of a fuse.

6. We can control the power delivered to the load.

Drawbacks of SCR
1. It can conduct only in one direction. So it can control power only during one half cycle of ac.

2. It can turn on accidentally due to high dv/dt of the source voltage.

3. It is not easy to turn off the conducting SCR. We have to use special circuits called commutation circuits to
turn off a conducting SCR.

4. SCR cannot be used at high frequencies. The maximum frequency of its operation is 400 Hz.

5. Gate current cannot be negative.

Applications of SCR
1. Controlled rectifiers.

2. DC to DC converters or choppers.

3. DC to AC converters or inverters.

4. As static switch.

5. Battery chargers.

6. Speed control of DC and AC motors.

7. Lamp dimmers, fan speed regulators.

8. AC voltage stabilizers.

Basics of SCR : Construction, Working & Its

Applications
The electric name of Silicon controlled or the semiconductor controlled rectifier (SCR) is
Thyristor. These are the four-layered semiconductor devices where three terminals are
known as the anode, the cathode, and the gate. Based on the triggering applied at the
gate the device can be treated as a switch or used as a rectifier. These SCRs are unfit
for amplifications. SCRs are responsible for conducting the flow of current in a single
direction. Hence it is also a unidirectional device. It consists of three junctions in it. 
These are the devices that operate based on the currents. Hence these are referred to
as current-controlled devices. These are very useful for the control of the devices when
the AC supply is termed too high, to provide control for the lamps, and for providing the
control over the phase, the motors that are of AC type.

What is a Silicon Controlled Rectifier (SCR)?

Definition: A solid state-operated device with a four-layered structure, its flow of current
in the one direction just like a diode where it has three junctions along with the three
terminals. These devices are defined as silicon-controlled rectifiers (SCR). The other
name for this is Thyristor.  These are the devices that are operated with the current. A
large value of the current at the anode terminal is controlled by the value of the current
applied at the terminal gate. Hence these are the current-controlled devices.

Symbolic Representation of SCR

Construction of SCR

An SCR is constructed with the four layers that consist of the P-type and the N-type
semiconductor material. These are layered in such a way that it tends to form three
junctions that are J1, J2, and J3. The three terminals that are attached to it are known
as anode, cathode, and gate. The anode is the basic terminal through which the current
flows or enters the device. Where the cathode is the terminal through which the entered
current leaves the device.

The current entering terminal is of positive polarity and the terminal through which the
current is leaving is of negative polarity. In between the flow of current among the
terminals, there must be a terminal that can provide the control. This can be provided by
the terminal gate. This terminal is sometimes also referred to as the terminal of control.

P-N-P-N Type of SCR

Let us consider an SCR is of P-N-P-N type. In this

case, as the anode is connected at the above that is to
P-type and the cathode is connected at the end that is
for N-type. Where the terminal gate is also connected to
the p-type but it will be the second P-type in the
sequence. Hence the gate terminal is positioned in
such a way that it is nearer to the terminal cathode.
In this, the junction J1 is formed in between the first P-type and the N-type. The second
junction J2 will be lying in between the N-type and the second P-type layers. The third
junction will be in between the last P-type and the N-type layers. Based on the
requirement or the necessity of the applications these layers of the Thyristor are doped.
The silicon preferred here for its construction is of intrinsic type.

Working/Operation of SCR

The basic working principle in the SCR is that as the triggering or the biasing is applied
at the terminal gate then the conduction begins. As it is a unidirectional device the
current will be in a single direction. It resembles the operation of the diode but the only
difference is that this can withstand the high amount of voltages and powers.

Triggering

SCR triggering is a method of making the device turn ON. It needs to be applied with a
sufficient amount of biasing to the terminal gate. Hence it is known as SCR triggering or
Thyristor triggering. Finally as the device moves to the ON state or the conducting state,
the maximum amount of the current flows through the terminal anode. There are various
types of triggering in SCR involved. They are:

  1). Voltage Triggering

As the value of the forward voltage exceeds the maximum point that is the forward
break over voltage and the terminal gate is left open in this situation. This type of
triggering in the Thyristor or SCR is known as voltage triggering. But this is usually not
preferred because SCRs are related to control the high values of the voltages if the gate
terminal is kept open it can’t meet the requirements and results in the destruction of the
device.

  2). Thermal Triggering

This triggering happens when the temperature in the device is increased. This increase
results in the increment of the hole and the electron pairs. Indirectly the current known
as regenerative current tends to increase by making the device turn ON. This kind of
triggering is not preferred because of the thermal heat condition there are the chances
of thermal runaway.

  3). Light Triggering

In this type of triggering, the light rays are made to fall on the surfaces of the Thyristors
so that the number of the electron and the hole pairs tend to get multiplied in number.
Hence the Thyristor made to turn ON.

  4). dv/dt Triggering

If the rate of the voltage in between the terminals anode to the respective cathode is
high in such cases this rate of voltage is enough to turn ON the Thyristor. But the
increment in the rate of the current may destroy the device. Hence in this case of
triggering protection must be provided for the device.

  5). Gate Triggering

This type of triggering is most frequently used. In this case, the gate terminal is
triggered so that base on it the Thyristor can turn ON. As the device gets turned ON the
control of the gate terminal over the device is lost. The reason behind losing control is
that the regeneration of the charge carriers.

These are some of the methods involved in triggering the Thyristors.

Applications

The applications of SCR include the following.

 SCRs are capable of controlling the devices with the higher value of AC powers;
they can be utilized efficiently where the requirement is of controlling the devices
 with the high value of the voltage and the power is present.  It is capable of
converting the huge amounts of power of type AC into DC. Hence making this an
efficient Rectifier that can withstand high voltages.
 In the controlling of Relays, these devices are used.
 In the elements where the induction heating concept is used they require the
control of power in such equipment. Hence these Thyristors are applicable in
such concepts.

Please refer to this link to know more about Silicon Controlled Rectifier MCQs

Please refer to this link to know more about Power Electronics MCQs

Please refer to this link to know more about SCR Commutation MCQs.

The above are some of the basic applications where SCRs are installed.  In this way,
the basic functionality of the Thyristor differs because of its one-way conduction
resemblance to a diode and the quality of rectification.  These are good at controlling
the higher rating value of the devices in terms of power and voltage.  Easy and simple in
construct. Hence these devices can be connected in the various circuits where the
controlling of the power units is required for example AC motors. Now can you tell what
makes the Thyristor so unique in terms of construction?
Construction of SCR

An SCR is constructed with the four layers that consist of the P-type and the N-type
semiconductor material. These are layered in such a way that it tends to form three
junctions that are J1, J2, and J3. The three terminals that are attached to it are known
as anode, cathode, and gate. The anode is the basic terminal through which the current
flows or enters the device. Where the cathode is the terminal through which the entered
current leaves the device.

The current entering terminal is of positive polarity and the terminal through which the
current is leaving is of negative polarity. In between the flow of current among the
terminals, there must be a terminal that can provide the control. This can be provided by
the terminal gate. This terminal is sometimes also referred to as the terminal of control.

P-N-P-N Type of SCR

Let us consider an SCR is of P-N-P-N type. In this case, as the anode is connected at
the above that is to P-type and the cathode is connected at the end that is for N-type.
Where the terminal gate is also connected to the p-type but it will be the second P-type
in the sequence. Hence the gate terminal is positioned in such a way that it is nearer to
the terminal cathode.

In this, the junction J1 is formed in between the first P-type and the N-type. The second
junction J2 will be lying in between the N-type and the second P-type layers. The third
junction will be in between the last P-type and the N-type layers. Based on the
requirement or the necessity of the applications these layers of the Thyristor are doped.
The silicon preferred here for its construction is of intrinsic type.

Working/Operation of SCR

The basic working principle in the SCR is that as the triggering or the biasing is applied
at the terminal gate then the conduction begins. As it is a unidirectional device the
current will be in a single direction. It resembles the operation of the diode but the only
difference is that this can withstand the high amount of voltages and powers.

Triggering

SCR triggering is a method of making the device turn ON. It needs to be applied with a
sufficient amount of biasing to the terminal gate. Hence it is known as SCR triggering or
Thyristor triggering. Finally as the device moves to the ON state or the conducting state,
the maximum amount of the current flows through the terminal anode. There are various
types of triggering in SCR involved. They are:

  1). Voltage Triggering

As the value of the forward voltage exceeds the maximum point that is the forward
break over voltage and the terminal gate is left open in this situation. This type of
triggering in the Thyristor or SCR is known as voltage triggering. But this is usually not
preferred because SCRs are related to control the high values of the voltages if the gate
terminal is kept open it can’t meet the requirements and results in the destruction of the
device.
  2). Thermal Triggering

This triggering happens when the temperature in the device is increased. This increase
results in the increment of the hole and the electron pairs. Indirectly the current known
as regenerative current tends to increase by making the device turn ON. This kind of
triggering is not preferred because of the thermal heat condition there are the chances
of thermal runaway.

  3). Light Triggering

In this type of triggering, the light rays are made to fall on the surfaces of the Thyristors
so that the number of the electron and the hole pairs tend to get multiplied in number.
Hence the Thyristor made to turn ON.

  4). dv/dt Triggering

If the rate of the voltage in between the terminals anode to the respective cathode is
high in such cases this rate of voltage is enough to turn ON the Thyristor. But the
increment in the rate of the current may destroy the device. Hence in this case of
triggering protection must be provided for the device.

  5). Gate Triggering

This type of triggering is most frequently used. In this case, the gate terminal is
triggered so that base on it the Thyristor can turn ON. As the device gets turned ON the
control of the gate terminal over the device is lost. The reason behind losing control is
that the regeneration of the charge carriers.

These are some of the methods involved in triggering the Thyristors.

Applications

The applications of SCR include the following.

  SCRs are capable of controlling the devices with the higher value of AC powers;
they can be utilized efficiently where the requirement is of controlling the devices
with the high value of the voltage and the power is present.  It is capable of
converting the huge amounts of power of type AC into DC. Hence making this an
efficient Rectifier that can withstand high voltages.
 In the controlling of Relays, these devices are used.
 In the elements where the induction heating concept is used they require the
control of power in such equipment. Hence these Thyristors are applicable in
such concepts.

Please refer to this link to know more about Silicon Controlled Rectifier MCQs

Please refer to this link to know more about Power Electronics MCQs

Please refer to this link to know more about SCR Commutation MCQs.

The above are some of the basic applications where SCRs are installed.  In this way,
the basic functionality of the Thyristor differs because of its one-way conduction
resemblance to a diode and the quality of rectification.  These are good at controlling
the higher rating value of the devices in terms of power and voltage.  Easy and simple in
construct. Hence these devices can be connected in the various circuits where the
controlling of the power units is required for example AC motors. Now can you tell what
makes the Thyristor so unique in terms of construction?

SCR (Silicon Controlled Rectifiers) - Introduction, Working and

Applications in Power Electronics
10 January 2020 - 0 Comments
Silicon Controlled Rectifier (SCR)

The term SCR stands for silicon controlled rectifier which is one of the most important members
of the thyristor family. It is more popular than the other Thyristors like TRIAC, SCS, DIAC,
etc. that some people even use the words Thyristor and SCR interchangeably. So next time when
someone says just “Thyristor” in general, then they are referring to the SCR.

SCRs are constructed from silicon and are most commonly used for converting AC current to
DC current (rectification), hence the name Silicon controlled rectifier. They are also used in
other applications such as regulation of power, inversion, etc. The SCRs have an ability to handle
high value of current and Voltage hence they are used in most of the industrial applications.
 

SCR Symbol
The Symbol of the SCR will be similar to that of the diode, additionally; it has a gate terminal as
shown below. The SCR is a unidirectional device that allows the current to flow in one
direction and opposes it in another direction. SCR has three terminals namely Anode (A),
Cathode (K) and gate (G), it can be turned ON or OFF by controlling the biasing conditions or
the gate input.
  

Again the Thyristor symbol and SCR symbol are the same. Now that we know how an
SCR/Thyristor can be represented in a circuit diagram, let’s look into the SCR Construction
and Working to understand more about it.

Construction of SCR
The SCR is a four-layered semiconductor device that forms NPNP or PNPN structure, which
eventually forms three junctions J1, J2, and J3. Among the three terminals of the SCR, the
Anode is a positive electrode, it will be on the P-layer and Cathode is a negative electrode, it will
be on the N-layer of the SCR, the Gate acts as a control terminal of the SCR. The SCR
Construction image is shown below.
The outer P and N layers where the two electrodes are placed will be heavily doped and the
middle P and N layers will be lightly doped, the gate terminal will be connected to the P-layer in
the middle. The SCRs are constructed with three different types, planar type, Mesa type, and
Press pack type.

How SCR works

To understand the SCR working principle we have to look into the different ways it can
operate. Depending on the polarity of the voltage applied and the gate pulse given to the SCR, it
can operate in three different modes such as

 Forward Blocking mode

 Forward Conduction mode
 Reverse Blocking mode
 

Now, let’s understand the Thyristor working by taking a look at each of the operating

modes with its circuit diagram.

Forward Blocking Mode 

In this mode of operation, the positive voltage is applied to the anode and the negative voltage
applied to the cathode, there will not be any pulse applied to the gate, it will be kept in the open
state. Once the voltage is applied, the junctions J1 and J3 will be forward biased and the junction
J2 will be reverse biased. Since J2 is reverse biased the width of the depletion region increases
and it acts as an obstacle for conduction, so only a small amount of current will be flowing from
J1 to J3.

When the voltage applied to the SCR is increased and if it reaches the breakdown voltage of the
SCR, the junction J2 gets depleted due to avalanche breakdown. Once the Avalanche
breakdown occurs the current will start flowing through the SCR. In this mode of operation, the
SCR is forward biased, but, there will not be any current flow.

Forward Conduction Mode 

The Forward Conduction Mode is the only mode at which the SCR will be in the ON state and
will be conducting. We can make the SCR conduct in two different ways, one we can increase
the applied forward bias voltage beyond the breakdown voltage or else we can apply a
positive voltage to the gate terminal.

When we increase the Applied forward bias voltage between the anode and cathode the junction
J2 will be depleted due to the avalanche breakdown and the SCR will start conducting. We are
not able to do this for all the applications and this method of activating the SCR will
eventually reduce the lifetime of the SCR.
 

If you want to use the SCR for low voltage applications you can apply a positive voltage to the
gate of the SCR. The applied positive voltage will help the SCR to move to the conduction state.
During this mode of operation, the SCR will be operating in forward bias and current will be
flowing through it.

Reverse Blocking Mode 

In the reverse blocking mode, the positive voltage is applied to the Cathode (-) and the Negative
voltage is given to the Anode (+), There will not be any pulse given to the gate, it will be kept as
an open circuit. During this mode of operation the Junctions J1 and J3 will be reverse biased and
the junction J2 will be forward biased. Since the junctions J1 and J3 are reverse biased there will
not be any current flowing through the SCR. Although there will be a small leakage current
flowing due to the drift charge carriers in the forward-biased Junction J2, it is not enough to
turn on the SCR.
 

VI Characteristics of SCR
The VI characteristics of the SCR are obtained by operating the SCR in three different regions,
namely forward blocking region, forward conduction region and reverse blocking region

When the SCR is operating in the reverse blocking mode, there will be small leakage current
flowing in the reverse direction of the SCR which is mentioned as the reverse leakage current in
the graph, the reverse leakage current will be located at the negative quadrants of the graph.

Now if you apply positive voltage to anode and negative voltage to cathode the SCR will start
operating in the forward blocking mode and a small leakage current will be flowing through the
SCR in the positive direction, hence the curve starts rising to a certain level in the positive
quadrants of the graph which is mentioned as the forward leakage current.

 
Once the graph reaches a certain voltage level called the Breakdown voltage or if the gate current
Ig is applied to the SCR, the SCR moves to the conduction mode and a high amount of current
starts flowing through the SCR. The current flow is represented as the forward conduction in
the VI curve. The gate current applied are mentioned as Ig1, Ig2 and Ig3, higher the applied gate
current faster the SCR goes to the conduction state as Ig3 > Ig2 > Ig1.

SCR Applications
From Converter circuits to Control circuits, SCRs are used in a wide range of applications. It is
not possible to discuss all the Thyristor applications, but basically, they are used to control the
current or voltage across a device. For example, let’s consider an example where SCRs are used
to control the speed of a motor.

The above circuit diagram of SCR shows the arrangement for controlling the speed of a DC
motor using the SCR. The motor will be having two windings namely field winding and
armature winding. By controlling the current given to the armature winding we can control the
speed of the DC motor. The armature winding of the motor is connected to an AC supply
through a transformer and two SCRs connected in parallel with one another.
 

During the positive half cycle of the AC supply, the SCR1 is forward biased and starts
conducting if the gate pulse is applied, the current to the armature winding will be flowing
through the SCR1. Similarly, during the negative half cycle of the AC supply, the SCR2 is
forward biased and SCR1 will be reverse biased and hence the SCR1 goes to the OFF state,
when the gate pulse is applied to SCR2 it starts, conducting. By varying the trigger pulse given
to the gates of the respective SCRs we will be able to control the input given to the DC motor
hence it controls the speed of the motor.