Superior University

Department of Electrical Engineering

EE-410
Power Electronics

Experiment No.1
V-I Characteristics of SCR for Different Constant Values of Gate Current

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EXPERIMENT NAME
V-I Characteristics of MOSFET for Different Constant Values of Gate Current

POWER ELECTRONICS

OBJECTIVE:
To Implement and Plot the V-I Characteristics of MOSFET for Different Constant Values of Gate
Current

REQUIED EQUIPMENT:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Connecting Wires
Resistance 470E, W
Resistance 2K2, 5W (on board)
SCR BT152 (on board)
Potentiometer 5K (on board)

THEORY:
In power electronics the thyristor is the most common and popular family of switching devices.
According to constructions, the numbers of semiconductor layer of thyristor family member are
nearly similar but their position arrangements are different and also the terminals are connected
in different positions. For this they have shown different characteristics. Some of the family
members are bidirectional that is they conduct current in both terminals and have no polarity
limitations and use to switch in the heavy ac load, otherwise unidirectional member conduct
current in only one direction and use mostly in rectification of ac and also switch. Usually four
layers and also five layers semiconductor devices are called the thyristor. According to their
construction they have at least two terminals to maximum four terminals. Specifically the five
layer members (TRIAC, DIAC) of thyristor family are used their four semiconductor layer in the
state of conduction.

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Engr. Zia Hameed

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Terminology:
1. Break-Over Voltage:
Also called the forward-break over voltage, this is the minimum forward voltage with the
gate open that the SCR starts conducting AND the point where the SCR is turned ON. For
example, if the break over voltage of an SCR is 100V, then it can block a forward voltage
until the supply voltage is < 100V.
2. Peak Reverse Voltage:
This is the maximum reverse voltage that can be applied to an SCR without conducting in the
reverse direction.
3. Holding Current:
It is the maximum anode current (with gate being open) at which the SCR is
turned off from on condition.
4. Forward Current Rating:
It is the maximum anode current that an SCR is capable of passing without destruction. If a
SCR has a forward current rating of 30 A, it means that the SCR can safely carry only 30 A;
any attempt to exceed this value will result in SCR's destruction due to intensive heating at
the junctions

Why is Peak Reverse Voltage Important?

When an SCR is used for rectification, during the negative half cycle of given ac supply, reverse
voltage is applied across the SCR. If Peak Reverse Voltage is exceeded, there may be an
avalanche breakdown and the SCR will be damaged (unless the external circuit limits the
current). Commercial SCRs have a PRV up to 2.5kV.

V-I Characteristics of SCR:

V-I: Curve between anode-cathode voltage (V) and anode current (I) of an SCR at constant Gate
current.
1. Forward Characteristics (Forward Conduction):
1. Anode is +ve w.r.t. cathode
2. When supply voltage is increased from zero, suddenly the SCR starts conducting
=> break over voltage
3. Voltage drops at this point suddenly as shown by the dotted line.
4. If proper gate current is made to flow, then SCR can close at smaller supply voltage.
2. Reverse Characteristics:
1. Anode is -ve w.r.t. cathode
2. Initially the anode current retains small (viz. leakage current)
3. Beyond a particular reverse voltage, the SCR starts massive conduction (avalanche) =>
Reverse breakdown voltage

Controlled Rectification Application:

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POWER ELECTRONICS

An important application of SCRs is controlled rectification.

1. Two SCRs are connected across the center-tapped secondary, as shown in the above figure.
2. The gate signal for both SCRs is supplied from two circuits which control the gate supply.
3. One SCR conducts in the positive half cycle and the other SCR conducts in the negative half
cycle. Thus current through the load will be unidirectional.
4. The most important aspect of SCR's controlled rectification is that the rectification process
and hence the output DC voltage can be controlled using the Gate supply control circuits.

CIRCUIT DIAGRAM:
Circuit used to plot characteristics of SCR is shown in Fig 1.

Figure 1. V-I Characteristics

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PROCEDURE:
Make circuit connections as shown in the Fig 1 using patch cords.
1. To plot the V -I characteristics proceed as follows.
2. Rotate both the potentiometer P1 and P2 in fully counter clockwise direction, connect
voltmeter to point 6 & ground to read VG and at point 3 & ground toread VAK.
3. Connect ammeter at point 1 & 2 to indicate the current IA and at point 4 &5 to indicate
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

the gate current IG.

Switch on the power supply.
Vary potentiometer P2 to set the gate current IG to a lower value (2.5mA, 2.7mA, 2.8mA.).
Increase anode voltage VA gradually by varying potentiometer P1.
Observe the current IA in the anode circuit, It shows almost zero current at theinitial stage.
At certain point of positive anode voltage current I A shows sudden rise in reading &

voltmeter reading falls down to almost zero. This action indicates the firing of SCR.
9. If this not happens, repeat the procedure from step 5 for slightly higher value ofgate current IG.
10. Try the various value of gate current to get the firing of SCR.
11. Keeping gate current constant observe precisely the firing voltage of SCR and record it in
the observation Table.
12. Also record the anode voltage VA& anode current after firing of the SCR.
13. Plot the graph of VA versus IA

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POWER ELECTRONICS

OBSERVATION TABLE:
Sr.
No

Anode Voltage
VA

Anode Current IA (mA) at Constant Value of Gate Current

IG= mA

IG= mA

IG= mA

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

OUTPUT WAVEFORM:

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Engr. Zia Hameed

POWER ELECTRONICS

PRECAUTIONS:
1.
2.

All the connection should be tight.

Ammeter is always connected in series in the circuit while voltmeter is parallel to the

3.

conductor.
The electrical current should not flow the circuit for long time, otherwise itstemperature

4.

will increase and the result will be affected.

It should be care that the values of the components of the circuit is does not exceedto

5.

their ratings (maximum value).

Before the circuit connection it should be check out working condition of all
theComponent.

CONCLUSION:

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Engr. Zia Hameed

POWER ELECTRONICS

LAB ASSESSMENT
Q1.

Differentiate between holding and latching currents?

Q2.

What are the different methods of turning on an SCR?

Q3.

What is offset current?

Q4.

What are the advantages of SCR?

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POWER ELECTRONICS

Q5.

What are the disadvantages of SCRs?

Q6.

What are modes of working of an SCR?

Q7.

Explain reverse current Ire?

Q8.

What is Forward break over voltage?

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