Banao Lab 1

TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
Manila
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
Electronics Engineering Department
Laboratory Experiment No. 1

SILICON CONTROLLED RECTIFIER
Submitted By:
Banao, Laureana Joy S.

BS ECE 3A
Submitted To:
Engr. Mark Melegrito

Instructor
September 14, 2023

1st Semester, S.Y. 2023-2024
Introduction:
The Silicon Controlled Rectifier (SCR) is one of many devices classified as a thyristor.
It is a four-layer, three terminal device which acts like a latch with a trigger input. These devices
have many applications in commercial and industrial electronics.
In this experiment you will see the basic operation of the SCR and characteristics, then
emulate one application of an SCR, phase control.
Learning Objective/s:
After successful completion of this experiment, students should be able to:
• Understand the basic operational characteristics of an SCR.

• Learn about SCR operation in a basic phase control circuit.
Equipment and Materials:

***For this specific activity, the Multisim software will be utilized. Make sure that this
application is already installed in your PC or gadget. If not, find a way to have it
installed. Use equivalent components if unavailable.
Procedure:
1. Construct the circuit given in Figure 1.
2. Insert an LED between RA and the SCR.
3. Determine the gate current and anode current when the SCR is triggered on (SW1 is
closed).
IG(ON) = _ 0.39 mA _
IA(ON) = _ 374 mA _
4. If SW2 is closed, determine the Anode Current.

IA = _ 374 mA _
5. If the supply voltage VA is reduced to 12 V, will the SCR turn on? Explain.
Half Wave Power Control Circuit
6. Construct the circuit from Figure 2.

7. Show the voltage waveform (use oscilloscope) across the SCR from anode to cathode.
Vary variable resistor R2 setting and observe how VAK changes.
8. Show the load current waveform in relation to number 7.
Simulation Environment:
1. (Attach Pictures of working circuitries for Fig.1 and Fig. 2)
Figure 1. When the SCR is triggered on (SW1 is closed) - (15V)

Figure 2. When the SCR is triggered on (SW2 is closed) - (15V)
Figure 3. Supply Voltage VA is reduced to 12 V

Figure 4. Half Wave Power Control Circuit
2. (Attach Pictures of output graph for Fig. 2)
Figure 5. Voltage Waveform across the SCR from anode to cathode at 5%

Questions to answer:
1. Explain how to turn on/off an SCR in a DC circuit.
2. What will happen if the SCR current is less than the Holding Current? Explain.
3. Can you think of a household application for the SCR? Discuss this application and
explain how it would operate.
Answers to Questions:
1. To activate an SCR in a DC setup, gradually raise the voltage across its anode and
cathode terminals beyond the forward breakover voltage (VBO) to initiate current flow.
To deactivate it, either reduce the current below the holding current (IH) threshold or
briefly apply a reverse voltage (VR) to the gate. However, SCR control in DC circuits
can be somewhat complex, and for smoother DC control, alternative semiconductor
devices like MOSFETs or IGBTs are often preferred due to their easier on/off switching
capabilities.
2. If the current flowing through the Silicon Controlled Rectifier (SCR) drops below its
Holding Current (IH), the SCR will automatically turn off. IH represents the minimum
current necessary to keep the SCR conducting. So, if the current falls below IH, the SCR
will stop allowing current to pass through it. In simple terms, to maintain the SCR in the
on state, you must ensure that the current remains at or above the Holding Current level.
3. One common household application for the Silicon Controlled Rectifier (SCR) is
in light dimmer switches. In this scenario, the SCR is employed to adjust the
brightness of incandescent or halogen bulbs. When you manipulate the dimmer
switch, it alters the SCR's firing angle within the circuit. As the firing angle shifts,
the amount of AC voltage reaching the light bulb changes, resulting in varying
levels of brightness. Essentially, the SCR serves as a controllable switch that
fine-tunes the power supplied to the bulb, allowing you to achieve different
lighting intensities in your home. It's a practical and energy-efficient method for
customizing your lighting to suit your needs.
Reflections:
In our recent laboratory experiment on Silicon Controlled Rectifiers (SCRs), we

delved into the essential operational characteristics of SCRs and explored their role in
phase control circuits. We discovered that SCRs are highly versatile semiconductor
devices capable of regulating current flow effectively with a minimal gate trigger current.
Their unidirectional nature makes them ideal for rectifying AC current, and we observed
that they remain in a conducting state until the current drops below a specific threshold.
In the phase control circuit, we gained valuable hands-on experience in efficiently

managing power delivery to a load by precisely adjusting the SCR's firing angle. We also
realized that proper synchronization with the AC waveform is crucial for achieving optimal
control, highlighting the importance of timing accuracy.
Furthermore, this experiment not only expanded our comprehension of SCRs but
also equipped us with practical skills relevant to real-world applications. As we move
forward in our academic pursuits and careers, this in-depth understanding of SCRs and
their role in phase control circuits will undoubtedly prove to be a valuable asset, enhancing
our ability to design and troubleshoot electronic systems efficiently.
Compiled and submitted by:
Laureana Joy S. Banao
Engr. Mark P. Melegrito

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TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES

Laboratory Experiment No. 1

Banao, Laureana Joy S.

Engr. Mark Melegrito

September 14, 2023

After successful completion of this experiment, students should be able to:

• Understand the basic operational characteristics of an SCR.

Equipment and Materials:

2. Insert an LED between RA and the SCR.

4. If SW2 is closed, determine the Anode Current.

Half Wave Power Control Circuit

6. Construct the circuit from Figure 2.

8. Show the load current waveform in relation to number 7.

1. (Attach Pictures of working circuitries for Fig.1 and Fig. 2)

Figure 1. When the SCR is triggered on (SW1 is closed) - (15V)

Figure 3. Supply Voltage VA is reduced to 12 V

2. (Attach Pictures of output graph for Fig. 2)

Figure 5. Voltage Waveform across the SCR from anode to cathode at 5%

In our recent laboratory experiment on Silicon Controlled Rectifiers (SCRs), we

In the phase control circuit, we gained valuable hands-on experience in efficiently

Compiled and submitted by:

Laureana Joy S. Banao

Engr. Mark P. Melegrito

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