UNIT 1

Power Semiconductor Devices

1. Draw the V-I characteristics of a thyristor and explain different operating regions.

2. Briefly explain the V-I characteristics of an IGBT.

3. What is a MOSFET? Explain its V-I characteristics briefly. Also write its advantages over other
switches

4. Describe the V-I characteristics of TRIAC and modes of operation.

5. Discuss about switching characteristics of an SCR during turn on and off.

6. Explain various turn-on methods of an SCR.

7. What is IGBT? What are the advantages of IGBT over power BJT and power MOSFET?

8. Compare the merits and demerits of SCR,MOSFET and IGBT

9. Describe R-firing circuit used for triggering SCRs. Is it possible to get a firing angle greater than 90
degrees with resistance firing circuit? If NO, why?

10. Explain RC firing circuit with suitable waveforms. Also briefly explain how it is different from R
triggering circuit

11. With neat circuit diagram explain how UJT firing circuit will generate pulse for an SCR.

12. Explain in detail various voltage and current ratings of a thyristor

13. Explain the following

a) I2 t rating b) dv/dt rating c) di/dt rating d) PIV e) Voltage safety factor

14. Explain the different protection schemes of Thyristor and Design Snubber circuit

15. Explain the operation of snubber circuit and also design the parameters of snubber circuit.

16. A thyristor operating from a peak supply voltage of 400V has the following specifications:
Repetitive peak current, Ip = 200A, (di/dt)max = 50A/μs, (dv/dt)max = 200V/μs. Choosing a factor
of safety 2 for Ip, (di/dt)max and (dv/dt)max , design a suitable snubber circuit. The minimum
value of load resistance is 10 ohms?

17. Following are the specifications of a thyristor operating from a peak supply of 500 V.
 Repetitive peak current Ip = 250 A , (di/dt)max = 60A/μs , (dVa/dt)max = 200V/μs . Take a safety
factor of 2 for the three specifications mentioned above. Design a suitable snubber circuit if the
min. load resistance is 20 Ω. Take ξ= 0.65

18. Explain the resonant pulse (class -B) commutation of SCR with neat sketch.

19. Explain the impulse (class -D) commutation of SCR with neat sketch.

20. Mention the merits and demerits of IGBT over Power MOSFET

UNIT 2
AC-AC Converters

1. Describe the principle of phase control in single phase full wave ac voltage regulator.

2. 62. Explain the operation of single phase AC voltage controller with R load. Draw the necessary
waveforms.

3. 63. Explain 3-phase AC voltage regulator for R load with neat waveforms for firing angle 60o

4. 64. Explain the principle of integral cycle control with relevant waveforms and also derive the
expression for RMS value of output voltage, power delivered to load and input power factor.

5. 65. A single phase voltage controller has input voltage of 230 V, 50 Hz; the load consists of a
resistance 30 Ω in series with inductance 15 mH, for 6 cycles off and 4 cycles on. Determine the
output voltage and input power factor.

6. 66. Two thyristors are connected in inverse-parallel for control of the power flow from a single-
phase a.c. supply Vs = 300 sinωt to a resistive load with R =10 Ω. The thyristors are operated with
integral-cycle triggering mode consisting of two cycles of conduction followed by two cycles of
extinction. Calculate: (a) The rms value of the output voltage. (b) The rms value of the current
drawn from the source. (c) The power delivered to the load.

7. 67. Draw the single – phase bidirectional ac voltage controller with R-L load and explain its
working principle with waveforms with α < Ф (load phase angle).Hence show that for α less than
Φ, output voltage of the ac voltage controller cannot be controlled.

8. 68. Draw the single – phase bidirectional ac voltage controller with R-L load and explain its
working principle with waveforms with α > Ф (load phase angle)
9. 69. A single phase full wave ac voltage controller controls load power. The input is 230 V, 50 Hz.
The load circuit consists of R= 3 Ω and ѠL = 4Ω.Determine (i) The control range of firing angle (ii)
Maximum value of RMS load current (iii) Maximum power (iv) Power factor

10. 70. A 230V, 1kW electric heater is fed through a single phase AC voltage controller from 230V,
50Hz Source. Find the load power for a firing angle delay of 700. Derive the expression used

11. 71. A single phase 230 V, 1 kW heater is connected across a single phase, 230 V, 50Hz supply
through an SCR. For the firing angle of 450 and 900, find the power absorbed by heater element.

12. 72. A 1- Φ ,230V, 50HZ source connected to an anti-parallel connected thyristor circuit;
controlling power to the following loads, when α= 900. Calculate output voltage, output current
and load power factor for R=10 Ω; L=0H and R=10 Ω; L=60mH

13. 73. A single phase full wave ac voltage controller feeds a load of R= 20 Ω, with an input voltage of
230 V, 50 Hz. Firing angle for both the thyristors is 450. Calculate (i) rms value of output voltage
(ii) load power and input pf (iii) average and rms current of thyristors

14. 74. A single –phase half –wave ac voltage controller is connected with a load of R = 5 Ω with an
input voltage of 230 V, 50 Hz. If the firing angle of thyristor is 45o , determine i) RMS output
voltage, ii) Power delivered to load

15. 75. A single phase full –wave ac voltage controller is connected with a load of R = 10 Ω , with an
input voltage of 230 V, 50 Hz. When the firing angle of thyristors is 45o, determine i) power output
at load, ii) average value of thyristor current and iii) rms value of thyristor current.

16. 76. A single phase full wave ac voltage controller has a load of R= 5 Ω and input voltage is 230 V,
50 Hz. If the load power is 5 kW, find firing angle delay of SCR and input power factor.
17. 77. A single phase ac voltage controller is employed for controlling the power flow from 230 V, 50
Hz source in to a load circuit consisting of R = 4 Ω and ωL = 3 Ω. Calculate: i) the control range of
Firing angle; ii) the maximum power delivered to load and power factor; iii) the maximum values
of average and rms SCR currents.

18. 78. For a single phase mid-point Cyclo-converter, explain the operation of the circuit when fed to
R-load with the help of neat circuit diagram and relevant output waveforms for α = 300 and α =
1200 for fo = 1/4 fs.

19. 79. Discuss the working of a single phase bridge type cyclo-converter with RL loads and for
continuous waveform operation with neat circuit diagram and output rms voltage and current
wave form for fo = (1/4) fs.

20. 80. What are cyclo-converters? Discuss the working of a single phase bridge type cyclo-converter
with R load. Sketch a neat circuit diagram and output rms voltage and current wave form for fo =
(1/3) fs.
UNIT 3
Single Phase Rectifiers

1. Derive the expression for output voltage of single-phase full converter by considering source
inductance with neat sketch.

2. Discuss the effect of source-inductance on the performance of a single phase fully controlled
converter, indicating clearly the conduction of various thyristors during one cycle. Derive an
expression for its output voltage in terms of Vm, α and μ

3. Explain the operation of single phase semi converter with R load. Draw the output voltage and
current waveforms.

4. Explain the operation of single phase semi converter with RL load. Draw the output voltage and
current waveforms.

5. A single phase half controlled bridge converter is supplied a 230V, 50Hz. Determine the average
load voltage for firing angle of 600. If load current of 30A is continuous and constant, what is the
value of load resistance?

6. Explain the operation of single phase full converter with R load. Draw the output voltage and
current waveforms.

7. Explain the operation of single phase full converter with RL load. Draw the output voltage and
inductor current waveforms.
8. Describe the working of single-phase fully controlled bridge converter in the Rectifying mode and
inversion mode with neat sketch.

9. Single phase fully controlled bridge is used for obtaining a regulated converter dc output voltage.
The rms value of ac input voltage is 220V and firing angle is maintained at 300, so that the load
current is 4A.
(a) Calculate the d.c. output voltage and active and reactive power input.
(b) Assuming load resistance remains same and if free-wheeling diode is used at the output,
calculate dc output voltage. The firing angle is maintained at 300.
10. Explain the operation of single phase full converter with RL load in discontinuous mode of
operation. Draw the output voltage waveform

11. Explain the operation of single phase semi converter with RL load in discontinuous mode of
operation. Draw the output voltage waveform

12. A 1-phase full converter bridge is connected to RLE load. The source voltage is 230V, 50Hz. The
average load current of 10A is constant over the working range. For R=0.4Ω and L=2mH, compute.
i) Firing angle delay for E=120V and ii) Firing angle delay for E= -120V. Indicate which source is
delivered power to load in above cases.

13. A 1-phase full converter bridge is connected to RLE load. The source voltage is 230V, 50Hz. The
average load current of 8A is constant over the working range. For R=0.4Ω and L=2mH, compute.
i) Firing angle delay for E=110V and ii) Firing angle delay for E= -110V. Indicate which source is
delivered power to load in above cases.

14. Single phase fully controlled converter is connected to a load comprised of 2ohms resistance and
0.3H inductance. The supply voltage is 230V at 50Hz. Estimate the average load voltage, average
load current and input power factor for a firing angle of 200. Assume continuous and ripple free
load current.

15. Briefly explain the operation of single-phase dual converter.

16. List the differences between circulating and non- circulating current modes of operation of dual
converters.

17. A resistive load of 10 Ω is connected through a half controlled SCR circuits to 220v, 50Hz, single-
phase source. Calculate the power delivered to load for a firing angle of 60 0. Find also the value of
input power factor.

18. A single phase fully controlled bridge converter with RL load is supplied from 220 V, 50 Hz ac
supply. If the firing angle is 45o, determine i) average output voltage, ii)output current iii) input
power factor.
 19. A single phase fully controlled bridge converter with RL load is supplied from 220 V, 50 Hz ac
supply. If the firing angle is 60o, determine i) average output voltage, ii)output current iii) input
power factor.

20. A single phase semi converter is supplied from 230 V, 50 Hz source. The load consists of R= 10 Ω
and E = 100 V and a large inductor so as to maintain the load current constant. For a firing angle
of 450, find i) average output voltage ii) average output current iii) average and rms values of
thyristor currents iv) input power factor.

Three Phase Rectifiers

1. Draw the circuit diagram of 3 phase half wave controlled rectifier with R load for α < 30o and explain its
operating principle with voltage and current waveforms.

2. Draw the circuit diagram of 3 phase half wave controlled rectifier with R load for α > 30o and explain its
operating principle with voltage and current waveforms.

3. Draw the circuit diagram of 3 phase half wave controlled rectifier with RL load for 300< α < 90o and
explain its operating principle with voltage and current waveforms.

4. Draw the circuit diagram of 3 phase half wave controlled rectifier with RL load for 900< α < 180o and
explain its operating principle with voltage and current waveforms.

5. A three pulse controlled rectifier is fed from three phase, 400 V, 50 Hz ac supply and it is connected
with a constant current load of 36 A at firing angle of α = 30 0. Thyristors have a voltage drop of 1.4V.
Calculate average output voltage, rms output voltage.

6. Draw the circuit diagram of 3 phase half wave controlled rectifier with RL load with freewheeling diode
for α = 60o and explain its operating principle with voltage and current waveforms.

7. Describe the working of three phase half controlled converter with R load for α = 45o with relevant
waveforms. List the firing sequence of SCRs.

8. Describe the working of three phase half controlled converter with R load for α = 90o with relevant
waveforms. List the firing sequence of SCRs.

9. Describe the working of three phase semi converter with RL load for α = 45o with relevant waveforms.

10. Describe the working of three phase semi converter with RL load for α = 90o with relevant waveforms.

11. Describe the working of three phase fully controlled converter with R load for α = 30o with relevant
waveforms. List the firing sequence of SCRs.
12. Describe the working of three phase fully controlled converter with R load for α = 60o with relevant
waveforms. List the firing sequence of SCRs.

13. Describe the working of three phase fully controlled converter with R load for α = 90o with relevant
waveforms. List the firing sequence of SCRs.

14. Describe the working of three phase full converter with RL load for α = 60o with relevant waveforms.

15. Describe the working of three phase full converter with RL load for α = 90o with relevant waveforms.

16. A 3-Phase full convertor is connected to a RLE load. The source voltage is 3-phase, 230V, 50 Hz and
the load current is 10A. For R=0.5Ω and L=2H, determine (a) firing angle for E = 134V and (b) firing angle
advance for E = -134V.

17. A 3-phase fully controlled bridge converter is supplying DC-load of 400V, 60A from a 3-phase, 50Hz,
660V (line) supply. If the thyristors have a voltage drop of 1.2V when conducting, then neglecting overlap,
compute
a) Firing angle of thyristor.
b) RMS value of thyristor currents.

18. Describe the effect of source inductance on the performance of a 3-phase full converter with the help
of phase voltage wave forms.
Derive an expression for average output voltage in terms of supply voltage, source inductance load
current.

19. Explain the operation of a three phase dual converter in the circulating current mode with the help of
relevant waveforms.

20. A three phase dual converter operating in circulating current mode has the following details. Source
voltage is 3-phase 220 V, 60 Hz and the load resistance is R=10Ω.The circulating inductance is 5mH and
the delay angles are α1= 600 and α2= 1200. Calculate the peak circulating current and peak current of the
converters

UNIT 4
1. Explain the operating principle of dc chopper(step down) with a suitable diagram Draw the voltage and
current waveforms of chopper and write the expressions for average output voltage and rms output
voltage

2. Explain the operating principle of dc chopper(step down) with a suitable diagram Draw the voltage and
current waveforms of chopper and write the expressions for average output power and the effective
input resistance in terms of chopper duty cycle

3. Explain the operating principle of dc chopper(step up) with a suitable diagram. Draw the voltage and
current waveforms of chopper write the expressions for average output voltage.
4. Explain time ratio control and current limit control of DC-DC chopper for controlling the output voltage
in choppers

5. Explain time ratio control of DC-DC chopper for controlling the output voltage in choppers.
Calculate the conduction period of the thyristor in each cycle of chopper circuit operating on TRC at a
frequency of 2 kHz on a 460V dc supply.

6. Explain the working of buck converter in continuous conduction mode with relevant waveforms. Derive
the expression for output voltage.

7. Explain the working of buck converter in continuous conduction mode with relevant waveforms. Derive
the expression for ripple current.

8. Explain the working of buck converter in continuous conduction mode with relevant waveforms. Derive
the expression for ripple voltage.

9. Explain the working of Buck converter with relevant waveforms in CCM mode and also derive the
expressions for critical values of inductor(L).

10. Explain the working of Buck converter with relevant waveforms in CCM mode and also derive the
expressions for critical values of Capacitance(C).

11. Explain the operation of boost converter in the CCM mode with relevant waveforms and obtain the
expression for output voltage.

12. Explain the operation of boost converter in the CCM mode with relevant waveforms and obtain the
expression for amplitude of ripple current.

13. Explain the operation of boost converter in the CCM mode with relevant waveforms and obtain the
expression for amplitude of ripple voltage.

14. Explain the working of Boost converter with relevant waveforms in CCM mode and also derive the
expressions for critical values of ‘L’.

15. Explain the working of Boost converter with relevant waveforms in CCM mode and also derive the
expressions for critical values of ‘C’.

16. Explain the operation of Buck-Boost chopper with relevant waveforms and derive the expression for
average output voltage

17. With the help of a neat circuit diagram and associated waveforms, discuss the operation of Buck-
Boost converter and derive the expression for ripple voltage.

18. With the help of a neat circuit diagram and associated waveforms, discuss the operation of Buck-
Boost converter and derive the expression for ripple current.
19. Explain the working of Buck-boost converter with relevant waveforms in CCM mode and also derive
the expressions for critical values of ‘L’.

20. Explain the working of Buck-boost converter with relevant waveforms in CCM mode and also derive
the expressions for critical values of ‘C’.
UNIT 5
1. With a neat circuit diagram and waveforms, explain the operation of a single phase half bridge inverter
with R load

2. With necessary waveforms explain the working of single phase half bridge inverter with RL load

3. With a neat circuit diagram and waveforms, explain the operation of a single phase full bridge inverter
with R load

4. With necessary waveforms explain the working of single phase full bridge inverter with RL load.

5. Draw a neat circuit diagram for single phase full bridge inverter feeding inductive load. What is the
function of feedback diodes?

6. Explain the working of a single-phase half bridge inverter. Discuss how the output power in single-
phase full bridge inverter becomes four times the power handled by a single phase half-bridge inverter.

7. What is pulse width modulation? List the various PWM techniques. How do these differ from each
other?

8. Discuss various PWM techniques used in inverters. How sinusoidal PWM is useful in the harmonic
elimination

9. Describe briefly various methods employed for the control of output voltage of inverters and discuss
the sinusoidal PWM method used in the operation of inverters

10. Describe briefly various methods employed for the control of output voltage of inverters and discuss
the multiple PWM method used in the operation of inverters

11. List the various PWM techniques of voltage control in inverters. Explain single pulse modulation
scheme used in operation of a inverter

12. List the various PWM techniques of voltage control in inverters. Explain modified sinusoidal PWM
technique.

13. A 50 Hz PWM inverter employs sinusoidal pulse width modulation based on sine-triangle comparison.
If the triangular carrier frequency is 15 kHz, what will be the number of pulses per half period in the
output waveform and with 80% modulation index what will be the width of the longest pulse?
14. Explain harmonic factor of nth harmonic, distortion factor, lowest order harmonic and THD.

15. Discuss the principle of working of a three phase bridge inverter with an appropriate circuit diagram.
Draw phase voltage waveforms on the assumption that, each thyristor conducts for 120 0 and the resistive
load is star connected.

16. Discuss the principle of working of a three phase bridge inverter with an appropriate circuit diagram.
Draw line voltage waveforms on the assumption that, each thyristor conducts for 1200 and the resistive
load is star connected

17. Discuss the principle of working of a three phase bridge inverter with an appropriate circuit diagram.
Draw line voltage waveforms on the assumption that, each thyristor conducts for 1200 and the resistive
load is delta connected

18. Discuss the principle of working of a three phase bridge inverter with an appropriate circuit diagram.
Draw phase voltage waveforms on the assumption that, each thyristor conducts for 180 0 and the resistive
load is star connected.

19. Discuss the principle of working of a three phase bridge inverter with an appropriate circuit diagram.
Draw line voltage waveforms on the assumption that, each thyristor conducts for 1800 and the resistive
load is star connected.

20. Discuss the principle of working of a three phase bridge inverter with an appropriate circuit diagram.
Draw phase voltage waveforms on the assumption that, each thyristor conducts for 180 0 and the resistive
load is delta connected.

Roll numbers Question Numbers

19331A0262 TO 19331A0271 1 TO 4
19331A0272 TO 19331A0281 5 TO 8
19331A0282 TO 19331A0291 9 TO 12
19331A0292 TO 19331A02A1 13 TO 16
19331A02A2 TO 20335A0201 17 TO 20
20335A0202 TO 20335A0212, 18331A02B0, 18331A0285 1 TO 4