GOVERNMENT POLYTECHNIC WASHIM

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING ACADEMIC YEAR: 2023-

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SUBJECT :- Fundamental of Power Electronics (FPE) SEMESTER : 3rd

Microproject Topic : Thyristor Family

Roll No. Student Name Exam Seat No. Enrollment No

10 Varad Manoj Botke 2200310139

11 Swapnil Ashok Chate 2200310140

12 Vedika Bhagwanrao Kulkarni 2200310141

GUIDED BY:-. Head Of Department:- Principal :-

Mr. U. Kamble Mr. Mangesh Kherde Dr. G. B. Gawalwad

(Lecturer Of FPE ) (Electrical Engineering) (Government Polytechnic Washim)

MICRO-PROJECT TOPIC:- Thyristor Family

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SR No. TITLE PAGE NO.

Introduction of Thyristor
1. 3-4
Family

2. SCR ( Silicon Rontrolled 5-6

Rectifier)

3. LASCR (Light Activated 6-7

Silicon Controlled Rectifier)

4. SCS ( Silicon Controlled

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Switch)

DIAC ( Diode for Alternating

5. 9-10
Current)

TRIAC ( Triode for

6. 10-11
Alternating Current)

GTO (Gate turn OFF

7. 12-13
Thyristor)

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 1. Introduction to Thyristor Family

 Thyristors is a general term which includes devices such as SCR, Triac, GTO,
LASCR, RCT, SCS, .. and many more.
 Thus thyristors is a family of devices. SCR i.e. silicon controlled rectifier is the
most popular device of the thyristor family.
 The classification of thyristors is as follows :
Classification of thyristors

Classification of thyristors is shown bellow

1. Thyristors

(A) Power Control Thyristors

(i) Unidirectional
(a) SCR
(b) LASCR
(c) SCS
(d) LASCS
(e) SUS

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(ii) Bidirectional
(a) Triac

(B) Triggering Devices

(a) UJT
(b) DIAC
(c) SBS
(d) SUS
above charts shows that the thyristors can be classified basically into two categories :

1. Power control thyristors

2. Triggering devices.

1. Power control thyristors

 This category consists of those thyristors which are capable of controlling large
power.
 The devices used popularly in this category are :
1. Silicon Controlled Rectifiers (SCR)
2. Gate Turn off SCR (GTO)
3. TRIAC.

2. Triggering devices
 Triggering is defined as the process of turning on a power control devices such as
SCR, TRIAC etc.
 Special device are required to be used to trigger the power control devices.
 The popularly used triggering devices are :
1. Unijunction transistor (UJT)
2. DIAC
3. SBS and
4. SUS

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 2. SCR ( Silicon Rontrolled Rectifier)

SCR Symbol

The SCR symbol is very similar to the diode symbol, but it has an additional gate
terminal. As SCR only allows current in one direction like a diode , the symbol is very
similar to the Diode symbol. As the anode current is triggered by the gate, therefore the
gate terminal is denoted in contrast to the diode symbol.

The three terminals of the SCR are named anode, cathode, and gate. For proper working,
connect the anode of the SCR with positive and cathode with negative of the battery. A
positive pulse for a short duration is required at the gate to kick start the conduction.

Working :-
SCR working depends upon the battery polarity and the gate input. The SCR can operate
in three different modes.

1. Forward Blocking Mode

2. Forward Conduction Mode
3. Reverse Blocking Mode

1. Forward Blocking Mode of SCR

When anode of SCR connects to the positive and cathode of SCR with the negative of the
battery terminal. And no pulse is applied at the gate terminal. The SCR work in the
forward blocking mode. This means that SCR will not conduct even though the polarity of
SCR is forward bias. In forward blocking mode, the J1 and J3 PN junctions are forward
biased. But the middle junction J2 is reverse biased, therefore, the SCR will not conduct in
the forward blocking mode.

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 2. Forward Conduction Mode of SCR

Forward conduction mode is the only mode of SCR for conduction. The SCR can be set
into the forward conduction mode in two ways. First by providing the gate pulse to
forward bias the J2 junction. Second by increasing the anode to cathode voltage to break
down the J2 junction. The gate pulse method is preferred and suitable for many
applications. The breakdown method reduces the SCR lifetime. The SCR will remain in
conduction mode even after the removal of the gate pulse or reducing the applied voltage.
If the anode current of the SCR drops below the holding current the SCR will stop falling
back to forward blocking mode.

3. Reverse Blocking Mode in SCR

If the anode terminal of the SCR connects to the negative and cathode terminal of SCR
connects to the positive of battery terminals. The SCR is in reverse blocking mode. In this
mode, J1 and J3 junctions are reverse biased. Where the middle junction J2 is forward
bias. As two junctions are reverse bias, so there is no current flowing through it but only a
small leakage current due to the drift charge carrier.

Application:-
 Power Switching Circuit.
 Controlled Rectifier.
 AC power control circuits.
 Speed control of DC shunt motor.
 SCR Crowbar.
 Computer logic circuits.
 Timing Circuits.
 Inverters.

3. LASCR (Light Activated Silicon Controlled Rectifier)

LASCR Symbol

LASCR or light activated SCR is a semiconductor device which turns ON when it is

exposed to light. The constituent element of SCR is silicon, and it works like a rectifier,
and thus, it is termed as Silicon Controlled Rectifier. The LASCR is a type of thyristor
which is triggered by photons present in the light rays.

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It is a three terminal device, consists of cathode, anode and gate terminal. The gate
terminal is used when the electrical triggering is supplied to the LASCR. The advantage
of using triggering of the thyristor by light is prevention from electrical noise disturbances.
Thus, LASCR is considered to be one of the best devices.

Working :-

 We know that J1 and J2 junctions of an ordinary SCR are forward biased because of
the potential provided on its anode and cathode, while its J2 junction due to being
reverse biased stops the flow of current in SCR.
 When light radiation occurs on a light-activated SCR’s reverse-biased junction J2,
electron holes are created on it (remember the number of electron holes in the
junction depends on the intensity of light on it), thus, the junction’s resistance
declines and it also becomes forward biased.
 Resultantly, flow of current from anode to cathode in light-activated SCR starts (in
other words when light collides with the depletion layer of the junction passing via
the window, junctions’ valence electrons detach from their orbits due to this light
energy and become free electrons.
 As a consequence of the flow of these free electrons positive feedback starts and
photo SCR either turns on or off). It must be kept in mind that just as an ordinary
SCR is turned on by providing positive signals on its gate and after it turning on,
even if these positive gate signals are removed, even then it will remain on.
 Similarly, a LASCR turns on or starts working when light radiates from its gate.
After this, even if light radiation stops or ceases, it works incessantly similar to an
ordinary SCR. Until its anode current value is lowered compared to its holding
current, then it turns off (i.e. once an SCR triggers and comes into its own mode, it
functions similar to an ordinary SCR).
 light-activated SCR or LASCR is most sensitive to light at a time when its gate
terminal is open. Therefore, when maximum sensitivity is required, its gate is kept

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 open. However, if the trigger point of light-activated SCR or LASCR is desired to
be adjusted, a variable resistor is fitted along with its gate .
 Thus, applying resistance between gate and ground, some of the electrons generated
via the intensity of light, go astray and change their route, and the sensitivity of the
circuit lessens compared to the arriving light (that’s in this way, the level of light at
which SCR triggers on, can be changed) Remember that a lead has been fixed with
light-activated SCR gate just like a common SCR so that it can be triggered on
during times of need by giving positive signals on its gate.

Application:-
 The Light activated SCR (LASCR) is used in large computer applications.
 The Light activated SCR (LASCR) is used in high voltage and high current
applications.
 It is used in HVDC transmission and VAR compensation.
 It is used in light activated flash units, logic circuits and etc.
 It is used in alarm circuits.
 It is used in optical light control.
 It is used in phase control.
 It is used in motor control.

4. SCS ( Silicon Controlled Switch)

SCS Symbol
If we take the equivalent circuit for an SCR and add another external terminal,
connected to the base of the top transistor and the collector of the bottom transistor, we
have a device known as a silicon-controlled-switch, or SCS: (Figure below)

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This extra terminal allows more control to be exerted over the device, particularly in
the mode of forced commutation, where an external signal forces it to turn off while the
main current through the device has not yet fallen below the holding current value.

Working:-
The working of SCS may be studied on considering the SCS to be formed of two
transistor Q1 and Q2 placed back-to-back as shown in figure . The transistor Q1 is of
npn type. Figure gives the circuit representation using circuit symbols for the
transistors.

In a two-transistor equivalent circuit shown in Fig, it is seen that a negative pulse at the
anode gate G2 causes transistor Q1 to switch on. Transistor Q1 supplies base current to
transistor Q2, and both transistors switch on. Similarly, a positive pulse at the cathode
gate G1 can switch the device on. Since only small currents are involved, the SCS may
be switched off by an appropriate polarity pulse at one of the gates. At the cathode gate
a negative pulse is required for switching off while at the anode gate a positive pulse is
needed.

Applications :-
 It is used mainly in low power sensing circuits.
 It is used in timers , registers and counter.
 It is used in digital logic circuit.
 It is used in pulse generator.
 It is used in oscillators.

5. DIAC ( Diode for Alternating Current)

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DIAC Symbol

The symbol of DIAC resembles two diodes in antiparallel. It has two terminals named
A1 or MT1 and A2 or MT2. MT stands for main terminals. Since it can conduct in both
directions, there are no anode and cathode terminal as shown in the figure.

It does not have gate or controlling terminal. Instead, it turns on and off by increasing
or decreasing the terminal voltage above or below its break over voltage.

Working :-

The DIAC can conduct current in both directions unless the applied voltage falls below
the break over voltage.
Suppose the applied voltage at MT1 is positive with respect to MT2, the junctions at
the ends become forwards biased and the middle junction becomes reverse biased. At
this moment, the applied Voltage V < VBO, so the middle junction remains reverse
biased and does not allow current flow. The device remains in off-state.

In order to trigger the DIAC into conduction, the applied voltage V must exceed break
over voltage VBO. When it happens, avalanche break down occurs at the reverse bias
junction and the current starts to flow through it. The DIAC is triggered into
conduction and the voltage across it reduces to ON-state voltage drop.
Similarly, if the voltage polarities are swapped, the same process will repeat except the
current will flow in reverse direction. There is no difference in operation whatsoever if

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the polarities are swapped. It has symmetrical switching characteristics for both voltage
polarities i.e. its forward break over voltage is equal to reverse break over voltage.
The DIAC conducts current unless the current falls below the holding current limit. As
soon as it falls below the said limit, the device switches into off-state.

Applications:-
 It can be used in the lamp dimmer circuit
 It is used in a heat control circuit
 It is used in the speed control of a universal motor

6. TRIAC ( Triode for Alternating Current)

TRIAC Symbol

The symbol of Triac has three terminals Anode1, Anode2 and Gate. The Anode1 and
Anode2 terminals are commonly called as Main terminal1 and Main terminal2. Gate
terminal acts like a trigger to turn the device ON. The symbol looks like two thyristors
connected in inverse parallel direction merged together with Gate terminal in common.

Working :-

There are four possible combinations of the potentials applied to the terminals.

Mode1: MT2 is positive and Gate terminal is positive.

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 When the MT2 terminal is made positive with respect to the terminal MT1 and when
positive voltage is applied at the gate terminal the path of the current flow from MT2 to
MT1 will be P1-N1-P2-N2. The junction between P1N1 and P2N2 are forward biased
and junction between N1P2 is reverse biased and breakdown occurs at this junction.

Mode2 : MT2 is positive and Gate terminal is Negative.

When the MT2 terminal is made positive with respect to the terminal MT1 and when
negative voltage is applied at the gate terminal, initially the path of the current flow
from MT2 to MT1 will be P1-N1-P2-N3. When the voltage applied at the MT2
terminal is further increased the junction P2N2 is forward biased and the path of the
current flow will be P1-N1-P2-N2. More Gate current is needed to turn the Triac.

Mode3: MT2 is negative and Gate terminal is positive.

When the MT2 terminal is made positive with respect to the terminal MT1 and when
negative voltage is applied at the gate terminal the path of the current flow from MT2
to MT1 will be P2N1P1. The Junctions P2N1 and P1N4 are forward biased and the
junction N1P1 is reverse biased. So in this mode Triac work in a negative biased
region.

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Mode4: MT2 is negative and Gate terminal is negative.

When the MT2 terminal is made negative with respect to the terminal MT1 and when
negative voltage is applied at the gate terminal the path of the current flow from MT2
to MT1 will be P2N1P1N4.

Mode2 and mode3 are less sensitive and need more gate current to turn ON the device.
Mode1 and mode4 have greater sensitivity when gate polarity and MT2 are of same
polarity.

Applications:-
 Dimmer switches for lamps.
 Output controllers for electric heaters.
 Speed controllers for motors.

7. GTO (Gate turn OFF Thyristor)

GTO Symbol

Thyristor is a unidirectional semiconductor switch that conducts high current in on-

state and blocks high voltages in off-state. It has three terminals Gate (G), Cathode (K)
and Anode (A). The cathode and anode terminals are used to conduct the main current
while the gate terminal switches the state of the thyristor. It is a semi-
controlled switch that can be switched on by applying a positive gate current but it
lacks the ability to be turned off using the same gate. The main current must be
interrupted to turn off the thyristor using a commutation circuit. To overcome this
problem GTO is designed.

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GTO or Gate Turn-Off thyristor is a type of thyristor that offers full control over
switching i.e. it can be turned ON as well as turned OFF by using the same gate
terminal. GTO has many similarities with a normal thyristor.

Working :-

The GTO operates like a conventional thyristor except it has turn-off capabilities.

Turn-on Mechanism
GTO has the same turn-off operation as a conventional thyristor. It can be turned-on
using two methods i.e. increasing forward voltage above break over voltage, applying
positive gate current.
When forward voltage is applied to GTO i.e. anode voltage is positive than the cathode,
the junction j1 and j3 becomes forward biased while the junction j2 becomes reverse
biased. The reversed biased j2 does not allow the current to flow through the device. If
the forward is increased above the forward break over voltage, an avalanche will
occur and the J2 will become forward biased allowing the current flow. this type of
switching is destructive and should be avoided.
The proper method of turning a GTO is by applying a positive gate current when
forward voltage is applied. Application of positive current at the gate injects holes into
the P gate region which makes j3 forward bias. Thus allowing the current flow through
it.

Turn-off Mechanism

To turn off the GTO, the gate terminal is applied with negative current or negative
voltage with respect to the cathode. The holes entering through the anode are extracted
through the gate terminal. It makes the junction j3 reverse biased that stops the electron
injection from the cathode region.
At this time, there is no cathode current but the anode current is still flowing through
the gate terminal which is called “tail current”. it reduces exponentially. and once it
goes to zero, the device completely turn-off and blocks the voltage at its terminals. The
turn-off current required for GTO is dependent on the anode voltage and current but it
is usually one-fourth of the anode current.

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Application:-
 It is used in high performance drive systems, such as the field oriented control
scheme used in rolling mills, robotics and machine tools.
 It is used for traction applications because of their lighter weight.
 The GTO is used in inverters.
 The GTO is used in DC drives or DC choppers.
 The GTO is used in AC drives.
 It is used in AC stabilizing power supplies.
 It is used in Induction heater.
 The GTO is used in static VAR compensators (SVCs).

Thank You…

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