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COLLEGE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEER ING

ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
ELEX03 – ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS AND DESIGN

EXPERIMENT #1: CHARACTERISTICS OF SILICON-CONTROLLED RECTIFIER (SCR)

I. OBJECTIVES

1. To understand the operation of SCR in a dc circuit.

2. To determine experimentally the current and the voltage characteristics of SCR
when forward-biased or reverse-biased is applied.
3. To determine correctly the holding current of the SCR.

II. DISCUSSION

SCR is the abbreviation of a silicon-controlled rectifier which is a semiconductor

device. It has 3 junctions for the anode (A), the cathode (K) and the gate. The SCR is
applied as the switch controlling the power from the source to the load while giving
the positive gate current. The structure and the symbol of the SCR are shown in Fig.
1-1.

(a) SCR structure (b) SCR symbol

FIGURE 1-1 Showing the structure and the symbol of SCR

The current and the voltage characteristics of SCR are shown in Fig 1-2. The
SCR will turn on when applying current to its gate. While the voltage at the anode is
more positive than the cathode and the current through SCR must be higher that the
latching current (IL) (IA > IL), the SCR will lead the current completely or remains
turned on. After the SCR seeds the current, the gate current can be removed, the
SCR still continues leading the current. The only way to force the SCR to turn off is to
force the current through SCR to be reduced lower than the holding current IH (IA <
TH).
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COLLEGE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEER ING
ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
ELEX03 – ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS AND DESIGN

FIGURE 1-2 Showing the characteristics graph of SCR

III. COMPONENTS NEEDED (USING MULTISIM)

ITEM NO. DESCRIPTION QUANTITY

1 Variable DC Supply Voltage 2
2 Voltmeter 2
3 Ammeter 2
4 Variable Resistors: 5-kΩ 2
5 Resistors: 100Ω, 2-kΩ, 10-kΩ, 50-Ωk 3
6 SCR: MCR100-3G and 2N5062 1

TABLE 1-1 Components Needed

IV. METHODOLOGY

All the circuits illustrated in the figures in the succeeding parts must be created and
evaluated using the Multisim simulator.

1 Characteristics of SCR when it is forward-biased.

1.1 Connect the experimental circuit of Fig. 1-3.

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FIGURE 1-3 SCR circuit in Forward Biased

1.2 Adjust the load percentage in the potentiometer VR1 to 12% so that the
current IG is equal to 9.1µA. Then gradually adjust the load percentage in
potentiometer VR2 as listed in Table 1.2, so that VS supplying the SCR will be
varied accordingly. Record IAK, VAK, in Table 1-2.

VR2 (%) 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
VAK (Volts)

IAK (mA)

TABLE 1-2 SCR Current and Voltage (I-V) Measurement in Forward Biased

1.3 Repeat step 1.2 but adjust the load percentage in the potentiometer VR1 to
20% so that the current IG becomes 15µA. Record the measured results of IAK
and VAK in Table 1-3.

VR2 (%) 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
VAK (Volts)
IAK (mA)

TABLE 1-3 SCR Current and Voltage (I-V) Measurement in Forward Biased

2 Characteristics of SCR when it is reverse biased.

2.1 Reverse the supply voltage in the SCR by changing V2 from +100V to -100V
as in Fig. 1-4.
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FIGURE 1-4 SCR circuit in Reversed Biased

2.2 Adjust the load percentage in the potentiometer VR1 to 12% so that the
current IG is equal to 9.1µA. Then gradually adjust the load percentage in
potentiometer VR2 as listed in Table 1.4, so that VS supplying the SCR will be
varied accordingly. Record IAK, VAK, in Table 1-4.

VR2 (%) 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
VAK (Volts)

IAK (mA)

TABLE 1-4 SCR Current and Voltage (I-V) Measurement in Reversed Biased

2.3 Use the results from the Table 1-2, 1-3 and 1-4 to draw a characteristics
graph of SCR when forward biased of reverse-biased is applied.
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COLLEGE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEER ING
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ELEX03 – ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS AND DESIGN

3 Determining the holding current of SCR.

3.1 Connect the experimental circuit of Fig. 1-6.

FIGURE 1-6 SCR circuit to find Holding Current

3.2 Turn on switch S1 and adjust the load percentage in the potentiometer VR7
to 16%. Measure the voltage and the current below.

VAK = V, IAK = mA

3.3 Turn off S1, observe the operation of SCR whether the current and the
voltage (Step 3.2) are changed.

VAK = V, IAK = mA

Does the SCR remains ON or lead the current at the moment?

3.4 When SCR leads the current, gradually reduce the load percentage in VR7
(1% at a time), consequently IAK is also reduced in value. Observe IAK until
SCR does not lead the current. The minimum value of IAK before SCR is
turned off is the holding current (IH).

IH = mA

3.5 Repeat step 3.4 using the circuit in Figure 1-3 and determine the holding
current of that SCR.

IH = mA
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V. CIRCUIT DIAGRAM
Insert image of the circuit from Multisim and set up during simulation.
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VI. DATA AND RESULTS

VII. QUESTIONS

1. From the experiment, while SCR is turn on, what is the voltage drop across
the anode and the cathode of the SCR?

2. From the experiment, what is the bake current where SCR is reverse-biased?
µA

3. Give your opinion, what experimental method can be used to determine the
latching current (IL) of SCR? Explain step by step together with the circuit
used in this method.

4. The SCR’s used in the experiment are MCR100-3G and 2N5062. Search for
the datasheet and determine the following values of voltages and current that
we can relate to the experiment.

VIII. CONCLUSION
(BAYAWA) In conclusion, Silicon-Controlled Rectifiers (SCRs) are semiconductor devices
with unique properties that make them valuable components in a wide range of electrical and power
management applications. Their essential qualities include unidirectional conduction, a three-layer
PNPN structure, a triggering mechanism via a gate voltage, latching action, voltage blocking in the off
state, high current handling capabilities, and dependability. SCRs are particularly well-suited for high-
power applications that require accurate voltage and current regulation. However, it is critical to
consider their voltage loss, heat dissipation, and the necessity for protective diodes in specific
applications. Overall, SCRs serve an important role in modern electronics and power systems,
enabling efficient and controlled power management. To add, a Silicon-Controlled Rectifier is a type of
semiconductor device that controls the flow of electric current in electronic circuits. SCR has a number
of important traits and properties. It possesses unidirectional conductivity. It only conducts current
in one way, from anode to cathode. It functions as a one-way electric current valve. It is made up of
three layers of semiconductor material: the anode (P-type material), the cathode (N-type material), and
the gate (also P-type material). These layers are often organized in a PNPN configuration.

(LANDICHO) therefore I conclude that An SCR (Silicon Controlled Rectifier) is a type of

thyristor that can be used to control either AC or DC loads. In a DC circuit, an SCR can be used as a
switch or as a crowbar safety deviceWhen used as a switch, an SCR can control the flow of current to
a DC load. To start the motor, the ‘Start Switch’ is momentarily closed, providing a pulse of current to
the gate terminal of the thyristor. The thyristor switches on and allows current to flow through the motor,
causing it to run. Once the motor is running, the thyristor continues to conduct even when the start
switch is open. To stop the motor, the ‘Stop Switch’ is momentarily closed, shorting out the thyristor
and turning it off. To determine the current and voltage characteristics of an SCR when forward-biased
or reverse-biased is applied, you can perform an experiment to obtain the V-I (voltage-current)
characteristics of the SCR. The V-I characteristic of an SCR is a graphical representation of the current
through the SCR and voltage across the anode to cathode terminal as the gate to cathode terminal
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COLLEGE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEER ING
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voltage and anode to cathode terminal voltage are variedTo obtain the V-I characteristics of an SCR,
you can connect its anode and cathode to a variable voltage source through a load. The gate and
cathode are fed through a separate source that provides positive gate current from gate to cathode.
The holding current of an SCR (Silicon Controlled Rectifier) is the minimum amount of current below
which the anode current must fall to come in the OFF state . In other words, if the value of holding
current is 5 mA, then the anode current of SCR must become less than 5 mA to stop conducting . To
determine the holding current of an SCR experimentally, you can perform a simple experiment to
obtain its V-I (voltage-current) characteristics.
(SORIANO) In conclusion, the characteristics of Silicon-Controlled Rectifiers (SCRs) in
experiments are pivotal for understanding their behavior and applications. Key experiment
characteristics of SCRs include the need for a specific gate trigger voltage to initiate conduction, along
with requirements for latching and holding currents to maintain that conduction. Voltage and current
ratings must be matched to prevent damage, while gate signal characteristics and turn-off mechanisms
significantly impact SCR performance. Heat dissipation is critical to avoid overheating, and studying
voltage and current waveforms across the SCR helps analyze its switching behavior and conduction
angles. Overall, SCR experiments demand careful control of trigger signals, consideration of ratings,
and attention to thermal management, all of which contribute to safe and insightful exploration of their
characteristics and applications.
(CANTOS) In summary, an SCR (Silicon Controlled Rectifier) is a specialized type of
thyristor that offers versatile control over both AC and DC loads. In DC circuits, it has a dual role as
both a switch and a safety mechanism, known as a crowbar. When acting as a switch, it governs the
current flow to a DC load. Initiating a motor involves briefly closing the ‘Start Switch,’ sending a pulse of
current to the thyristor’s gate terminal, turning it on and allowing current to power the motor.
Remarkably, the thyristor continues conducting even when the start switch is released. To halt the
motor, the ‘Stop Switch’ is momentarily engaged, effectively deactivating the thyristor.To delve into the
SCR’s behavior under different biasing conditions, experiments can be conducted to extract its V-I
(voltage-current) characteristics. This V-I characteristic is a graphical representation that reveals how
the SCR behaves concerning current and voltage. In essence, the SCR proves to be a versatile
electronic component with significant applications in controlling electrical loads in various scenarios.

(DELA CRUZ) An SCR (Silicon Controlled Rectifier) is a type of thyristor that is used to
control the flow of current in a DC circuit. It can be used as a switch to turn on and off the current flow
in a circuit. When the voltage across the anode and cathode of an SCR is below the breakdown
voltage, it acts as an open circuit. However, when the voltage across the anode and cathode exceeds
the breakdown voltage, it becomes a closed circuit and allows current to flow through it. The Silicon-
Controlled Rectifier (SCR) is a four-layer, three-terminal semiconductor device that allows current to
flow in one direction only. It has three modes of operation: forward blocking mode, forward conduction
mode, and reverse blocking mode. In the forward blocking mode, the SCR remains in forwarding bias
but does not conduct. When the anode voltage is positive with respect to the cathode and gate current
is zero, the device remains off. In this mode, junctions J1 and J3 are in forward bias, while junction J2
is in reverse bias. The SCR offers very high resistance and very low leakage current flows through the
device. However, we can turn on the SCR by applying a high voltage between the anode and cathode,
even if the gate current is zero. The voltage at which the SCR turns on when the gate current is zero is
called the forward break-over voltage.In the forward conduction mode, we can make the SCR turn on
at a lesser anode-to-cathode voltage by applying a small gate voltage momentarily. The gate current
pulse is sufficient to switch on the SCR at a lesser anode-to-cathode voltage. Once the SCR starts
conducting, it remains on even after removing the gate current pulse. The SCR offers very low
resistance in forward conduction mode. If the gate current is further increased, the device can be
turned on even at a much lesser forward anode-to-cathode voltage.
The minimum current value below which the anode current must fall in order for the SCR to enter the O
FF state is known as the holding current.
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COLLEGE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEER ING
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The SCR's anode current must drop below 5 mA in order for it to quit conducting if the holding current
value is 5 mA.

(CASTILLO) SCRs are critical components in power electronics because they provide
precise control over high-power circuits. Their distinct properties make them ideal for a wide range
of applications, particularly those requiring voltage and current regulation.