ILOILO SCIENCE AND La Paz, Iloilo City

TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY
Lab Experiment No. 3

ECE 32 – (INDUSTRIAL ELECTRONICS - Lab)

Name: Felongco, Marjolyn P. Year/Sec: BSEE 3-A2 Libo-on, Christian Mark A.

Llave, Kessy Ann L.
Superales, Irene B.

EXPERIMENT NO. 3: SILICON-CONTROLLED RECTIFIER

I. Experiment Outcomes
At the end of the experiments, the learner shall possess the ability to:
• Construct and familiarize the structure and operation of Silicon
Controlled Rectifier (SCR),
• Construct Silicon Controlled Rectifier (SCR) Circuit using simulation
app Electronics Workbench,
• Plot, and formulate/analyze the curve/graph/waveform of Silicon
Controlled Rectifier circuit, using the simulation app Electronics
Workbench,

II. Materials/Equipment Needed:

• Electronics Workbench

III. Overview
A Silicon Controlled Rectifier (SCR), also known as a thyristor, is a
semiconductor device widely used in electronics and power control applications.
Here are the key points about SCR:
Function: An SCR is a solid-state switching device that can control the flow
of electric current. It acts as a switch that can handle high voltage and
current levels, making it suitable for power control applications.

Construction: An SCR typically consists of three layers of semiconductor

material (N-P-N or P-N-P) arranged in a specific way to create a four-layer
structure. The control gate, an additional layer, is used to trigger the SCR.

Operation: The SCR conducts current in one direction (anode to cathode) when
a small control current (gate current) is applied to its gate terminal. Once
triggered, it latches into the "on" state and continues to conduct even if the gate
current is removed until the current flowing through it drops below a certain
threshold (known as the holding current) or the voltage across it is reversed.
Applications:
Power Control: SCR is widely used in applications like motor speed control,
light dimming, and heating elements control.

Voltage Regulation: It's used in voltage regulators and

stabilizers.

Power Inversion: In power electronics, SCRs are used in inverters to convert

DC power to AC power.
 Rectification: SCR-based rectifiers are used to convert AC voltage to DC
voltage, commonly used in battery charging and electroplating.

Advantages:

✓ High current and voltage handling capabilities.

✓ Reliable and long-lasting.

✓ Suitable for high-power applications.

✓ Once triggered, it requires no continuous gate current to remain in the

conducting state.
Disadvantages:

✓ It can only control current in one direction.

✓ It cannot turn off by itself and requires external circuitry (e.g.,

commutation circuits) to turn it off.
✓ Limited for use in high-frequency applications.

Protection: SCRs often require protective circuits to prevent damage due to

overvoltage, overcurrent, and excessive temperature.
Alternatives: For bidirectional control and more precise switching, alternatives
like insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) and MOSFETs are commonly
used in modern electronics.
SCRs are a fundamental component in power electronics and have been used
for decades in various industrial and consumer applications where high-power
switching and control are required.
IV. Procedure
 1) Using the simulation app Electronics Workbench, construct the circuit of
Silicon Controlled Rectifier (SCR), according to the given figure below,

2) After constructing the circuit, assign values for the supply voltage (VS), as
well as for the gate voltage (VG).
3) Measure the voltage VAK and current IAK using the voltmeter and
ammeter respectively.
4) Using the Microsoft Excel, tally the respective values for each voltage
and current.
5) Plot the values provided by the simulations using the excel.
6) Continue the process until the waveform/curve of the silicon-controlled
rectifier is visible.

V. Results/Discussions
Legend:
VG = Gate Voltage
IG = Gate Current
VS = Supply Voltage
VAK = Forward Breakover Voltage
IAK = Current

We’ve learned that SCR or Silicon-Controlled Rectifier, is a special kind of

electronic device that can regulate the movement of electricity in a circuit. If the
gate of an SCR is not connected to anything, it acts in the same way as a Shockley
diode. This could happen if the voltage rises too fast between the anode and
cathode, similar to what happens with the Shockley diode. Dropout happens when
the current is decreased which causes the internal transistors to stop working,
similar to the Shockley diode.
 As we try to explore the functions and characteristics of the silicon-controlled
rectifier, we have observed that the values for the gate voltage and the supply
voltage must be equal for the rectifier to work properly.
In the previous figure, it shows the data and waveform of the SCR characteristics
performed during this laboratory activity. As we have observed, since the gate
terminal is connected directly to the base of the lower transistor, it can be used as
another way to control the SCR. By using a small electric power between the gate
and cathode, the lower transistor is turned on. This causes the upper transistor to also
turn on and provide power to the lower transistor's base. As a result, the lower
transistor does not require a gate voltage to be activated anymore. The minimum
current needed to start latch-up is much less than the current going through the SCR
from one end to the other. So, the SCR does provide some level of increase in
current.

However, as we set the gate voltage equal to zero or when the gate voltage of an
SCR is removed, the above waveform was produced. Furthermore, since there are
visible values, we can imply that it will keep conducting electricity as long as the
current passing through it is above a certain level.
 Also, as we further increase the values for the gate voltage, the values for the
SCR forward breakover voltage and current are still the same as you also increase the
values for the supply voltage. In addition, as we increase the values for gate voltage
(VG), it results to higher gate currents that cause the current IAK to also increase,
and switch at lower forward breakover voltages.

VI. Observations/Conclusions
Felongco, Marjolyn P.
To begin with, we’ve known that a Silicon Controlled Rectifier (SCR), which
is also called a thyristor, is a type of electronic device made from semiconductor
materials that is used to control the flow of electrical power. It works like a switch
for high voltage and high current electrical power circuits. SCRs have three main
parts: an anode, a cathode, and a gate. When we study SCR, we find that the gate
voltage and supply voltage need to be the same for the rectifier to work correctly.
However, when we make the gate voltage of an SCR equals zero, we can still see the
values, and we can infer that it will continue to conduct electricity as long as the
current going through it is higher than a specific level. Moreover, as we continue to
raise the values for the gate voltage, the values for the forward breakover voltage
and current of the SCR remain unchanged as you also increase the values for the
supply voltage. Furthermore, when we raise the values for gate voltage (VG), it leads
to higher gate currents. This, in turn, causes the current IAK to increase and have
lower forward breakover voltages.

Libo-on, Christian Mark A.

In summary, the Silicon Controlled Rectifier (SCR) is a vital semiconductor
device, serving as a precise electronic switch with functions including
rectification, latching, overcurrent protection, and voltage regulation, making
it indispensable in modern electronics and electrical engineering.
Llave, Kessy Ann L.
Silicon Controlled Rectifier, commonly known as SCR, is a vital
semiconductor device with a wide range of applications in electronics and electrical
engineering. At its core, the SCR is a three-terminal semiconductor device
consisting of an anode, cathode, and gate. Its fundamental function lies in acting as a
controlled electronic switch, capable of regulating the flow of electric current in a
highly precise manner. The SCR's operation is contingent upon the application of a
small control current, known as the gate current, to its gate terminal.
One of the primary functions of the SCR is as a rectifier. It excels at
converting alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC) by allowing current to
flow from the anode to the cathode when triggered by a gate current. This
rectification capability is fundamental in various power supply applications where a
stable DC voltage is required. Furthermore, the SCR exhibits a unique characteristic
known as "latching." Once triggered by the gate current, the SCR remains in the "on"
state even after the gate current is removed. It continues to conduct current until the
current flowing through it drops below a specific threshold, known as the "holding
current." This latching property makes SCR suitable for applications where
continuous conduction is necessary, even after the initial trigger, such as in motor
control systems. SCRs are also instrumental in providing overcurrent protection in
electrical circuits. When the current exceeds a predefined limit, the SCR can be
triggered to disconnect the circuit swiftly. This capability safeguards sensitive
components and prevents damage caused by excessive current, enhancing the safety
and reliability of electronic systems.
In voltage regulation applications, SCRs play a crucial role. By controlling the
precise timing of when the SCR is triggered during each AC cycle, engineers can
manage the average voltage across a load. This controlled triggering allows for
voltage regulation, enabling the SCR to stabilize voltage levels for various electronic
devices and systems.
In conclusion, the Silicon Controlled Rectifier (SCR) stands as a cornerstone of
modern electronics and electrical engineering. Its multifaceted functions, from
rectification to latching, protection, and voltage regulation, make it an indispensable
component in various electronic circuits and control systems. The SCR's reliability,
precision, and versatility continue to drive innovation and improve the performance
of numerous electronic devices and applications in our technologically advanced
world.

Superales, Irene B.
In summary, a Silicon Controlled Rectifier (SCR), other known as thyristor,
functions as a semiconductor switch that permits current flow when triggered.
Typically, it is a four-layer structure made up of three layers of semiconductor
material (N-P-N or P N-P) is what makes up an SCR. The control gate, a further
layer, activates the SCR. It finds primary applications in rectification and power
control, featuring a latching mechanism that keeps it conducting until current
diminishes beyond a specific point. SCRs are dependable for high-power tasks but
have the limitation of unidirectional current control. In result of the experiment, we
have noted that the gate voltage and supply voltage settings for the rectifier to
function effectively, they must be equal.