EE62 Laboratory
Name: Jeffer N. Fallarcuna ID No.: 2021301417 Date Submitted: November 5, 2023
Online Activity 1
Thyristor
Objective: What are SCR, Triac, Diac, Quadrac and how to test
Procedure:
1. Perform Internet searches on the terms Tyristor, SCR, Triac, Diac, Quadrac or similar
terms.
2. Look for the Youtube.com and search the video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zi-
5MFHhWAg&t=1039s and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdKXveNydQk
3. Answer the following questions. Keep searching until all questions answered
Questions:
1. Define Tyristor, SCR, Triac, Diac and Quadrac and state some functions of the devices.
Answers:
A Thyristor is a type of semiconductor device that belongs to the family of silicon-controlled
rectifiers (SCRs). It is a four-layer, three-junction semiconductor device that acts as a bistable
switch, which means it can exist in two states: off or non-conducting, and on or conducting.
Thyristors have several important functions and applications in electronics and power control,
including:
Switching: Thyristors are primarily used as high-power switching devices. They can
handle large currents and voltages, making them suitable for controlling electric power
in various applications.
Rectification: Thyristors can be used to convert alternating current (AC) into direct
current (DC) by controlling the flow of current in one direction. This is especially useful
in power supplies and motor control.
Voltage Regulation: They are employed in voltage regulation circuits to control the
amplitude of the output voltage in AC power systems.
Motor Control: Thyristors are used to control the speed and direction of electric
motors in applications such as industrial machinery and locomotives.
Light Dimming: In lighting systems, thyristors can be used to adjust the brightness of
incandescent lamps and other lighting devices.
Heating Control: Thyristors are used for precise control of electric heaters, ovens,
and other heating elements.
Power Inversion: Thyristors are essential components in power inverters that convert
DC power into AC power, which is important in renewable energy systems, such as
solar inverters.
Overcurrent Protection: They can be used as protection devices in high-power
circuits to prevent damage due to overcurrent conditions.
Voltage Clamping: Thyristors can be used to clamp transient voltage spikes and
protect sensitive electronic equipment from voltage surges.
Phase Control: In AC circuits, thyristors can control the phase angle of the voltage
waveform, allowing for precise control of power delivery and motor speed.
Thyristors are robust and reliable devices that are widely used in industrial and power
electronics applications due to their ability to handle high power levels and provide precise
control over electrical systems. They are essential components in many electronic and
electrical systems, contributing to efficient power management and control.
TRIAC (Triode for Alternating Current)
It is a bidirectional, three-electrode AC switch that allows electrons to flow in either
direction. It is the equivalent of two SCRs connected in a reverse-parallel arrangement
with gates connected to each other. A TRIAC is triggered into conduction in both
directions by a gate signal like that of an SCR.
FUNCTION:
Its primary function is to control the flow of alternating current (AC) in both directions,
which makes it useful in various applications, including:
Light Dimming: TRIACs are commonly used in light dimmer circuits. By controlling
the firing angle of the TRIAC, you can adjust the amount of power delivered to
incandescent lamps, allowing you to control the brightness of the lights.
Motor Speed Control: TRIACs are used to control the speed of AC motors,
particularly in appliances like blenders, fans, and power tools. By regulating the voltage
applied to the motor, you can adjust its speed and performance.
AC Power Control: TRIACs are employed in AC power control applications, such as
in heating elements for ovens, stovetops, and electric heaters. They allow for precise
control of temperature or power output.
AC Switching: TRIACs can be used as AC switches to turn on or off AC loads. They
are especially useful in applications where fast switching of AC loads is required.
Voltage Regulation: TRIACs are used in voltage regulation circuits to maintain a
stable output voltage in AC power supplies.
Fan Speed Control: In household appliances and HVAC systems, TRIACs are used
to control the speed of fans and blowers to optimize cooling or heating performance.
Phase Angle Control: TRIACs can adjust the phase angle of the AC waveform,
allowing for precise control of power delivery to AC loads, which is beneficial in
applications like temperature control and light intensity adjustment.
Overcurrent Protection: TRIACs can also serve as protection devices by interrupting
the flow of current in case of overcurrent conditions to prevent damage to the load or
equipment.
Motor Reversal Control: In some applications, TRIACs are used to control the
direction of rotation of single-phase AC motors.
Power Inversion: TRIACs can be used in power inverters for converting DC power
into AC power, which is crucial in applications such as solar inverters and
uninterruptible power supplies (UPS).
TRIACs are versatile devices that find widespread use in various AC power control
and switching applications due to their bidirectional conduction capabilities and the
ability to regulate power smoothly. They provide a convenient means for controlling
the intensity, speed, and power delivery in AC-based systems.
DIAC (Diode for Alternating Current)
It is a diode that conducts electrical current only after its breakover voltage, VBO, has
been reached momentarily. Three, four, and five layer structures may be used.
Behavior is similar to the voltage breakdown of a triac without a gate terminal.
FUNCTION:
Commonly used as a solid-state triggering device for the other semiconductor
switching devices, mainly for SCRs and TRIACs.
QUADRACS
Are a special type of thyristor which combines a diac and a triac in a single package.
FUNCTION:
Quadracs are used in lighting control, speed control, and temperature modulation
control applications. They carry performance specifications such as peak repetitive off
voltage, peak repetitive reverse voltage, root mean square (RMS) on-state current,
and temperature junction. Peak repetitive off voltage is the maximum, instantaneous
value of the off-state voltage that occurs across a thyristor, including all repetitive
transient voltages and excluding all non-transient voltages. Peak repetitive reverse
voltage is the maximum peak reverse voltage hat may be applied continuously to the
main terminals (anode and cathode) of quadracs. RMS on-state current is the
maximum RMS current allowed for the specified use-case temperature. Temperature
junction for quadracs is expressed as a full-required range.
SCR (Silicon Controlled Rectifier)
A semiconductor device that functions as an electrically controlled switch. (a) An SCR
is one in the family of semiconductors that includes transistors and diodes. (b) The
basic purpose of a SCR is to function as a switch that can turn on or off small or large
amounts of power.
FUNCTION:
SCRs are mainly used in devices where the control of high power, possibly coupled
with high voltage, is demanded. Their operation makes them suitable for use in
medium- to high-voltage AC power control applications, such as lamp dimming, power
regulators and motor control.
2. What are the steps in testing the SCR?
Answers:
Procedure to Test the SCR with the help of Ohmmeter:
To test the SCR, connect the positive output lead of the ohmmeter to the anode and
the negative lead to the cathode.
The ohmmeter should indicate no continuity.
Touch the gate of the SCR to the anode.
The ohmmeter should indicate continuity through the SCR.
When the gate lead is removed from the anode, conduction may stop or continue
depending on whether the ohmmeter is supplying enough current to keep the device
above its holding current level.
If the ohmmeter indicates continuity through the SCR before the gate is touched to the
anode, it indicates that the SCR is shorted.
If the ohmmeter will not indicate continuity through the SCR after the gate has been
touched to the anode, it indicates that the SCR is open.
3. What are the steps in testing the Triac?
Answers:
Step by step Procedure to test the Triac:
Keep the digital multimeter into Ohmmeter mode.
Using a junction diode determine which ohmmeter lead is positive and which is
negative. The ohmmeter will indicate continuity only when the positive lead is
connected to the anode and the negative lead is connected to the cathode.
Connect the positive lead of Ohmmeter to MT2 and the negative lead to MT1. The
ohmmeter should indicate no continuity through the triac.
Using a jumper lead connect the Gate of the Triac to MT2. The multimeter should
indicate a forward diode junction.
Reconnect the Triac so that MT1 is connected to the positive lead of ohmmeter and
MT2 is connected to the negative lead. The multimeter should indicate no continuity
through a Triac.
Using a jumper lead, again connect the gate to MT2. The ohmmeter should indicate a
forward diode junction.
4. What are the steps in testing the Diac?
Answers:
One of the best ways to determine if a diac is good or bad is through a digital
multimeter. Follow the steps below if you like to test a diac.
*Get your digital multimeter and set it on the Ω scale.
*Attach the leads of your digital multimeter to the leads of the diac and record the
resistance reading.
*Now, reverse the leads of your multimeter and record the resistance reading on
display.
Remember that both of the resistance readings you have performed must give high
resistance, as the diac is two Zener diodes connected in series. Testing a diac in this
fashion only demonstrates the concept is shorted.
5. What are the steps in testing the Quadrac?
Answers: Testing the multimeter can only reveal if the quadrac is shorted. Low
resistance between any of thethree terminals indicates a problem.
6. In summary, give your opinion, view, or insight of Thyristor.
Answers: Commercially, the first thyristor devices were released in 1956. With
a small device Thyristor can control large amounts of voltage and power.
The wide range of applications in light dimmers, electric power control and speed
control of electric motor. Previously, Thyristors are used as current reversal to turn off
the device. Actually, ittakes direct current so it is very difficult to apply to the device.
But now, by using control gate signal the new devices can be turned on and turned
off. Thyristors can be used to fully turn on and fully turn off. But transistor lies between
turn on and turn off states. So the thyristor is used as a switch and it is not suitable as
an analog amplifier.
EE62 Laboratory
Name:_______________________________________ ID No.:_____________ Date
Submitted:________________
Online Activity 1
Thyristor
