TPCT’S

College of Engineering, Osmanabad

Laboratory Manual

Power Electronics

For

Third Year Students

Manual Prepared by
Prof. S. G. Shinde

Author COE, Osmanabad

 TPCT’s
College of Engineering
Solapur Road, Osmanabad
Department of Electronics &Telecommunication
Vision of the Department:

To be recognized by the society at large as an excellent department offering quality higher

educationin the Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering field with research focus
catering to the needs of the public ind being in tune with the advancing technological
revolution.

Mission of the Department:

To achieve the vision the department will
 Establish a unique learning environment to enable the student’s face the
challenges of the Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering field.
 Promote the establishment of centers of excellence in technology areas to
nurture the spirit of innovation and creativity among the faculty & students.
 Provide ethical & value based education by promoting activities addressing
the needs of the society.
 Enable the students to develop skill to solve complete technological
problems of current times and also to provide a framework for promoting
collaborative and multidisciplinary activities.
 College of Engineering

Technical Document

This technical document is a series of Laboratory manuals of Electronics and

Telecommunication Department and is a certified document of College of
engineering, Osmanabad. The care has been taken to make the document error-
free. But still if any error is found, kindly bring it to the notice of subject teacher
and HOD.

Recommended by,

HOD

Approved by,

Principal
 FORWORD

It is my great pleasure to present this laboratory manual for third year

engineering students for the subject of Power Electronics to understand and
visualize the basic concepts of various circuits using electronic components.
Power Electronics cover basic concepts of electronics. This being a core subject, it
becomes very essential to have clear theoretical and designing aspects.

This lab manual provides a platform to the students for understanding the basic
concepts of Power Electronics. This practical background will help students to gain
confidence in qualitative and quantitative approach to electronic circuits.

H.O.D
ECT Dept
 LABORATORY MANUAL CONTENTS

This manual is intended for the Third Year students of ECT branches in the subject
of Power Electronics. This manual typically contains practical/ Lab Sessions
related to Power Electronics covering various aspects related to the subject for
enhanced understanding.

Students are advised to thoroughly go through this manual rather than only topics
mentioned in the syllabus as practical aspects are the key to understanding and
conceptual visualization of theoretical aspects covered in the books.
SUBJECT INDEX:

1. Do’s & Don’ts in Laboratory.

2. Lab Exercises
1. To plot static characteristics of a SCR.
2. To plot V-I characteristics of Diac.
3. To study half controlled full wave bridge (semiconverter) rectifier.
4. To study V-I characteristic of TRIAC.
5. To perform of SCR commutation circuits.
6. To study fan control using SCR, and lamp dimmer using TRIAC.
7. To study the operation of series inverter and to obtain variable AC from DC input.
8. To study the operation of resistance triggering circuits of SCR.
9. To study the operation of resistance capacitance triggering circuits of SCR.

3. Quiz
4. Conduction of viva voce examination
5. Evaluation & marking scheme
Dos and Don’ts in Laboratory :-

1. Do not handle any equipment before reading the instructions /Instruction

manuals.
2. Read carefully the power ratings of the equipment before it is switched ON,
whether ratings 230 V/50 Hz or 115V/60 Hz. For Indian equipment, the power
ratings are normally 230V/50Hz. If you have equipment with 115/60 Hz
ratings, do not insert power plug, as our normal supply is 230V/50Hz., which
will damage the equipment.
3. Observe type of sockets of equipment power to avoid mechanical damage.
4. Do not forcefully place connectors to avoid the damage.
5. Strictly observe the instructions given by the Teacher/ Lab Instructor.

Instruction for Laboratory Teachers:-

1. Submission related to whatever lab work has been completed should be done
during the next lab session.
2. Students should be instructed to switch on the power supply after getting the
checked by the lab assistant / teacher. After the experiment is over, the
students must hand over the circuit board, wires, CRO probe to the lab
assistant/teacher.
3. The promptness of submission should be encouraged by way of marking and
evaluation patterns that will benefit the sincere students.
 Experiment No.1

Experiment Title: CHARACTERISTICS OF A SCR

Aim:- To plot static characteristics of a SCR.

Objective: To plot static characteristics of a SCR

Apparatus:- Circuit board 0-300V high voltage supply,0-300V low voltage supply,
milli-ammeter0-100mA and 0-10mA. Voltmeter 1-100V, multi meter, connecting
wires etc.

Circuit Diagram:-

Theory:
SCR Modes of operation:

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

In this mode of operation, the anode is given a positive voltage while the cathode is
given a negative voltage, keeping the gate at zero potential i.e. disconnected. In this case
junction J1 and J3 are forward-biased, while J2 is reverse-biased, due to which only a small
leakage current exists from the anode to the cathode until the applied voltage reaches its
break over value, at which J2 undergoes avalanche breakdown, and at this break over
voltage it starts conducting, but below break over voltage it offers very high resistance to
the current and is said to be in the off state.
Forward conduction mode
SCR can be brought from blocking mode to conduction mode in two ways: either by
increasing the voltage across anode to cathode beyond break over voltage or by applying
positive pulse at gate. Once SCR starts conducting, no more gate voltage is required to
maintain it in the on state. There are two ways to turn it off: 1. Reduce the current through
it below a minimal value called the holding current and 2. With the gate turned off, short
out the anode and cathode momentarily with a push-button switch or transistor across the
junction.

Reverse blocking mode

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. (If one cannot
determine which region is P1, a labeled diagram of layers and junctions can help). Usually,
the reverse blocking voltage rating and forward blocking voltage rating are the same. The
typical application for reverse blocking SCR is in current-source inverters.
SCRs incapable of blocking reverse voltage are known as asymmetrical SCR,
abbreviated ASCR. They typically have 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).

Procedure:-
1. For forward characteristics
- Connect the circuit as per the circuit diagram.
- Adjust the value of gate current at 4.5mA &keep it constant.
- Slowly increase the value of anode voltage till firing takes place.
- Note down the readings and plot the graph.

2. For reverse characteristics

- Reverse the high voltage power supply polarities and also the voltmeter,
ammeter polarities on the HV side.
- Note the anode current for changing voltage of Vak taking care that Vak does not
exceed the reverse break over voltage Vboof SCR.
- Remove all connection after switching off the power supply.
Observations:-
a. Forward characteristics

Ig=3.5mA Ig=4mA

Vak Ig Vak Ig

b. Reverse characteristics

Ig=3.5mA Ig=4mA

Vak Ig Vak Ig

Graphs/Formula (if any)

Result: - The graph plotted as per the observations is theoretically matched

Conclusion: The SCR is unidirectional device which conduct in forward bias & does not
in reverse bias.
The forward break over voltage can be reduced by increasing the value of gate current.
 Experiment No.2
Experiment Title: CHARACTERISTICS OF DIAC
Aim:- To plot V-I characteristics of Diac.

Objective: To plot V-I characteristics of Diac.

Apparatus:- Circuit board,0-300V high voltage supply,0-30V Voltage supply,Voltmeter (0-

100V),Millimeter (0-100mA and 0-10mA), Multimeter, Connecting wires.
Circuit Diagram:-

Theory:
The DIAC is a diode that conducts electrical current only after its break over voltage, VBO,
has been reached momentarily. The term is an acronym of diode for alternating
current.When breakdown occurs, the diode enters a region of negative dynamic resistance,
leading to a decrease in the voltage drop across the diode and, usually, a sharp increase in
current through the diode. The diode remains in conduction until the current through it
drops below a value characteristic for the device, called the holding current, IH. Below this
value, the diode switches back to its high-resistance, non-conducting state. This behavior is
bidirectional, meaning typically the same for both directions of current.
Most DIACs have a three-layer structure with breakover voltage of approximately
30 V. Their behavior is similar to that of a neon lamp, but it can be more precisely
controlled and takes place at a lower voltage.
DIACs have no gate electrode, unlike some other thyristors that they are commonly
used to trigger, such as TRIACs. Some TRIACs, like Quadrac, contain a built-in DIAC in
series with the TRIAC's gate terminal for this purpose.
DIACs are also called symmetrical trigger diodes due to the symmetry of their
characteristic curve. Because DIACs are bidirectional devices, their terminals are not
labeled as anode and cathode but as A1 and A2 or main teminal MT1 and MT2.

Procedure:-
Diac Characteristics:

a. The connections are made as shown in the circuit diagram.

b. Intially DIAC is connected in forward direction
c. The input supply is increased in step by step by varying the voltage of
power supply.
d. The corresponding ammeter and voltmeter readings are noted
and tabulated.
e. Then the DIAC is connected in reverse condition.
f. The above process is repeated.
Observations:-
DIAC Characteristics:

Graph:

Result: - Thus the V-I characteristics of DIAC was obtained and graph was drawn.

Conclusion: Thus we have studied V-I characteristics of Diode.

 Experiment No.3
Experiment Title: SEMICONVERTER RECTIFIER
Aim:- To study half controlled full wave bridge (semiconverter) rectifier.

Objective: To study half controlled full wave bridge (semiconverter) rectifier.

Apparatus:- SCR converter kit, Oscilloscope,Voltmeter,Multimeter,Connecting wires.

Circuit Diagram:-

Theory:
The circuit contains two SCRs and two diodes. When source Vin is positive, SCR T1 can be
triggered at a firing angle called α and then current flows out of the source through SCR T1
first, then through the load and returns via diode D2. If Vin = E* Sin (wt) then SCR T1 and
diode D2 conduct during α<wt< π . But here we have two diodes D 2 and D4 instead of two
SCRs. When the output of the bridge tends to becomes negative just after wt exceeds π,
diode D4 tends to get forward-biased and it starts conducting. Then diode D2 is reverse-
biased and it stops conducting. During π <wt< (π + α) , the devices in conduction are SCR T1
and diode D2 and the output of the bridge is clamped at zero, assuming that the on-state
drops across devices in conduction is zero. During (π + α) <wt<2π, the devices in
conduction are SCR T3 and diode D4 and so on..

Procedure:-

1. Make connections as shown in circuit diagram

2. Select resistor and inductor from load bank
3. Observe input and output waveform.
Waveforms :-

Conclusion:
Using phase controlled semiconverter we can convert ac voltage into variable dc
voltage.We do not get output in negative half cycle due to inductive load.
 Experiment No.4
Experiment Title: CHARACTERISTIC OF TRIAC.

Aim:- To study V-I characteristic of TRIAC.

Objective: To study V-I characteristic of TRIAC

Apparatus:- Circuit board 0-300V high voltage supply, 0-30V low voltage supply,
millimeter(0-10mA,0-1A),voltmeter(0-250V),connecting wires
Circuit Diagram:-

Theory: TRIAC, from triode for alternating current, is a generalizedtrade name for an
electronic component that can conduct current in either direction when it is triggered
(turned on), and is formally called a bidirectional triode thyristor or bilateral triode
thyristor. TRIACs are a subset of thyristors and are closely related to silicon controlled
rectifiers (SCR). However, unlike SCRs, which are unidirectional devices (that is, they can
conduct current only in one direction), TRIACs are bidirectional and so allow current in
either direction. Another difference from SCRs is that TRIAC current can be enabled by
either a positive or negative current applied to its gate electrode, whereas SCRs can be
triggered only by positive current into the gate. To create a triggering current, a positive
or negative voltage has to be applied to the gate with respect to the MT1 terminal
(otherwise known as A1).
Once triggered, the device continues to conduct until the current drops below a certain
threshold called the holding current.
The directionality makes TRIACs very convenient switches for alternating-current (AC)
circuits, also allowing them to control very large power flows with milliampere-scale gate
currents. In addition, applying a trigger pulse at a controlled phase angle in an AC cycle
allows control of the percentage of current that flows through the TRIAC to the load (phase
control), which is commonly used, for example, in controlling the speed of low-power
induction motors, in dimming lamps, and in controlling AC heating resistors.

Procedure:-

Mode 1

1 Connection made according to circuit diagram.

2 The value of Igis set to convenient value by adjusting Vgg.

3 By varying the supply voltage Vm gradually in step-by-step,note down the
corresponding values of Vmt2t1and i1 at the instant of firing of TRIAC and after
firing (by reducing the voltmeter rang and increasing ammeter range) then
increase the supply voltage Vmt2t1&i1.
4 The point at which TRIAC fires gives the value of break over voltge Vbo1
5 A graph of Vmt2t1 v/s i1 is to be plotted.
6 7.The gate supply voltage.Vgg to be switched off
7 Observe the ammeter reading by reducing the supply voltage Vmt.the point at
which the ammeter reading suddenly goes to zero gives the value of holding
current ih .
8 Mode 2

1 Connect are made as shown in circuit diagram.

2 Step no. s 2, 3,4,5,6 and 7are to be repeated as in mode 1.

Result: - The values of V and I are noted down, plotted and Triac characteristics are
studied. The values obtained are verified.
 Experiment No.5
Experiment Title: SCR commutation circuits.

Aim:- To perform of SCR commutation circuits.

Objective: :- To perform of SCR commutation circuits.

Apparatus:- Experimental kit, DC power supply.

Circuit Diagram:-

Theory: Commutation of SCR

It is the process to turn OFF conducting SCR. There are two ways of commutation of an
SCR.

(a) By reducing the forward current through the SCR below the holding current called
as current commutation.
(b) By applying a large reverse voltage across the SCR called voltage commutation

Types of commutation
  Natural commutation: when thyristor is turned off due to its forward current going
below holding current it is said to be naturally commutated. Natural commutation
takes place in the circuits powered by alternating current.
 Force commutation: When the thyristor operate on a pure DC input voltage, the
forward current cannot be reduced below holding current naturally,therefore the
thyristor must be commutated ‘forcibly’ by using additional circuitry. This is called
force commutation. This external commutation circuit will turn off the SCR by
either current or voltage commutation.

Classification of force commutation

 Class -A: Self commutated by resonating load.
 Class –B: Self commutated by LC circuit.
 Class –C: C or LC switched by another load carrying SCR.
 Class –D: C or LC switched by an auxiliary SCR.
 Class –E: An external pulse source for commutation.
 Class –F: AC line commutation.

Procedure:-

 Connect the circuit as shown in Figure.

 Connect G1 and G2 signals to gate of SCR.

 Switch ON the power supply.

 Connect oscilloscope across load resistance and observe waveform.

 Draw the waveform on graph paper.

Graph:
Result: - Waveform of class Commutation are determined

Conclusion: Thus we have verified the class C

 Experiment No.6
Experiment Title: Phase control using SCR and TRIAC.

Aim:- To study fan control using SCR and lamp dimmer using TRIAC. (Phase control using

SCR and TRIAC.)

Objective: :- To study fan control using SCR and lamp dimmer using TRIAC.
Apparatus:- Circuit board, Connecting wires, Isolation transformer, CRO, true value
multimeter.
Circuit Diagram:-

Theory:
This is the circuit diagram of the simplest lamp dimmer or fan regulator.The circuit is
based on the principle of power control using a Triac.The circuit works by varying the
firing angle of the Triac. Resistors R1, R2 and capacitor C2 are associated with this. The
firing angle can be varied by varying the value of any of these components. Here R1 is
selected as the variable element. By varying the value of R1 the firing angle of Triac
changes (in simple words, how much time should Triac conduct) changes. This directly
varies the load power, since load is driven by Triac. The firing pulses are given to the gate
of Triac T1 using Diac D1

Procedure:-
1. Make connections as per Circuit diagram.
 2. Observe the variation in light intensity in case of lamp dimmer and speed of fan in
case of fan regulator.
3. Switch off the mains and remove connections
Observations:-
: A.C freq = 50 Hz, α = ωt =2πft

SR.NO VOLTAGE ACROSS LOAD TIME PEROID FIRING ANGLE

(V) (msec) (α)

Plot graph in between V and α

Waveforms:

Result: - Thus we have studied phase control using SCR & TRIAC.
 Experiment No.7
Experiment Title: AC from DC input.

Aim:- To study the operation of series inverter and to obtain variable AC from DC input.

Objective: To study the operation of series inverter and to obtain variable AC from DC
input.

Apparatus:- Series inverter module ,Loading rheostat - 50,CRO , Connection wire.

Circuit Diagram:-

Theory: This circuit which converts DC power into AC power is called inverter. If the
thyristor commutation circuit of the inverter is in series with the Load, then the inverter is
called ―Series are tightly coupled. In this circuit, it is possible to turn- on-thyristorTp
before the current through thyristorTn has become zero and vice-versa. Therefore, the
Modifed Series Inverter can be operated behond the resonance frequency (fr) of the
circuit. Inverter is operated at the resonance frequency (fr) if the load current waveform
has low frequency and should not have zero current interval. The inverter’s resonance
frequency depends on the values of L, R and C in the circuit.

Procedure:-
1. To begin with switch on the power supply to the firing circuit check that Trigger
pulses by varying the frequency.
2. Connections are made as shown in the circuit diagram.
3. Now connect trigger outputs from the firing circuits to gate and cathode of SCRs T1 & T2.
4. Connect DC input from a 30v/2A regulated power supply and switch on the
input DC supply.
5. Now apply trigger pulses to SCRs and observe voltage waveform across the load.
Measure Vrms& frequency of o/p voltage waveform
Firing Circuit: This part generates two pairs of pulse transformer isolated trigger two
SCR’s connected as series inverter. ON/OFF switch is provided for the trigger pulses
which can be used to switch ON the inverter. Frequency of the inverter can be varied
from 100 Hz to 1 KHz approximately.
Power Circuit: This part consists of two SCR’s two diodes. A center tapped inductor with
tappings and 4 capacitors. Input supply terminals with ON/OFF switch and a fuse is
provided. All the devices in this unit mounted on a proper heat sink, snubber circuit for
dv/dt protection and a fuse in series with each device for short circuit protection.
All the points are brought out to front panel for inter connections. They have to be
interconnected as shown in the circuit diagram. Fly wheeling diodes can be connected
across SCR’s and its effect can be observed.

Graph

Result: - Thus the operation of a series inverter is studied.

 Experiment No.8
EXPERIMENT TITLE: RESISTANCE TRIGGERING CIRCUITS OF SCR

Aim:- To study the operation of resistance triggering circuits of SCR.

Objective: To study the operation of resistance triggering circuits of SCR

Apparatus:- Circuit board, Connecting wires, Isolation transformer, CRO, true value
multimeter.

Circuit Diagram:-

R Triggering Circuit:

Theory:

Resistance Triggering:
Resistance trigger circuits are the simplest & most economical method. During the positive
half cycle of the input voltage, SCR become forward biased but it will not conduct until its
gate current exceeds Igmin. Diode D allows the flow of current during positive half cycle
only. R2 is the variable resistance & R is the stabilizing resistance .R1 is used to limit
the gate current. During the positive half cycle current Ig flows. Ig increases and when
Ig= Igmin the SCR turns ON .The firing angle can be varied from 0 — 90° by varying
the resistance R.
Procedure:-
R Firing
1. Connections are made as shown in fig.
2. Switch on the power supply to the CRO.
3. Set the CRO to the line trigger mode.
4. Switch on power supply to the SCR trainer.

5. Observe the waveform on the CRO.

6. Study the waveforms for various firing angle by varying the pot in R trigger circuit.
7. Observe the range of firing angle control.

8. and the SCR.

9. Measure the average dc voltage across the load and rms value of the ac input voltage
using a For any one particular firing angle plot the waveforms of the ac voltage,
voltage across the load
10. Digital multimeter.
11. Calculate the dc output voltage using the equation.

V - Vrms value of ac input voltage Vm -

\/2Vrms.And compare the measured value

Graph
Observation Table:-

Voltage
Input Input Resistance O/P Across
S.No. Voltage Cycle Value Voltage (Anode-
(V) Time (K) V rms (V) Cathode)
(Ms) V rms (V)

Result: - Thus the operation of resistance and UJT triggering circuits of SCR has
been studied.
 Experiment No.9
Experiment Title: resistance capacitance triggering circuits of SCR.

Aim:- To study the operation of resistance capacitance triggering circuits of SCR.

Objective: :- To study the operation of resistance capacitance triggering circuits of SCR.

Apparatus:- Circuit board, Connecting wires, Isolation transformer, CRO, true value
multimeter.
Circuit Diagram:-

Theory:
By varying the variable resistance R, the firing angle can be varied from 0 —180° .In the negative
half cycle the capacitance C charges through the diode D2 with lower plate positive to, the peak
supply voltage Emax .This Capacitor voltage remains constant at until supply voltage attains
zero value. During the positive half cycle of the input voltage, C begins to charge through R.
When the capacitor voltage reaches the minimum gate trigger voltage SCR will turn on.

Procedure:-
1. Connections are made as shown in fig.
2. Switch on the power supply to the CRO.
3. Set the CRO to the line trigger mode.
4. Switch on power supply to the SCR trainer.
5. Observe the waveform on the CRO.
6. Study the waveforms for various firing angle by varying the pot in R trigger circuit.
7. Observe the range of firing angle control.

8. For any one particular firing angle plot the waveforms of the ac voltage, voltage across
the load and the SCR.

9. Measure the average dc voltage across the load and rms value of the ac input voltage
using g' a digital millimeter.
10. Calculate the dc output voltage using the equation.

Graphs:
Observation Table:

Voltage
Input Input Resistance O/P Across
S.No. Voltage Cycle Value Voltage (Anode-
(V) Time (K _ ) V rms (V) Cathode)
(Ms) V rms (V)

Result: - Thus the operation of resistance capacitance and UJT triggering circuits of
SCR has been studied.
3.Quiz on the subject:-

1. A silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) is a

a)unijunction device.
b)device with 3 junctions.
c)device with 4 junctions.
d)none of the above.
Answer:b
2. Atriac is a
a)2 terminal switch.
b)2 terminal bilateral switch.
c)3 terminal unilateral switch.
d)3 terminal bidirectional switch.
Answer:d
3.Which of the following finds application in speed control of a dcmotor

a)FET
b)NPN transistor.
C)SCR.
D)none of the above.
Answer:c
4. A half controlled converter has better output voltage ---------- compared to full.
Answer: form factor
5. At the boundary between continuous and discontinuous conduction the value
output current at wt=α is --------- of the
Answer: zero
4. Conduction of Viva-Voce Examinations:

Teacher should conduct oral exams of the students with full preparation.
Normally, the objective questions with guess are to be avoided. To make it
meaningful, the questions should be such that depth of the students in the
subject is tested. Oral examinations are to be conducted in cordial environment
amongst the teachers taking the examination. Teachers taking such examinations
should not have ill thoughts about each other and courtesies should be offered to
each other in case of difference of opinion, which should be critically suppressed
in front of the students.

5. Evaluation and marking system:

Basic honesty in the evaluation and marking system is absolutely essential and in
the process impartial nature of the evaluator is required in the examination
system to become. It is a primary responsibility of the teacher to see that right
students who are really putting up lot of hard work with right kind of intelligence
are correctly awarded.
The marking patterns should be justifiable to the students without any ambiguity
and teacher should see that students are faced with just circumstances.