PG Power Elex Lab Manual

Shri G. S.
Institute of Technology & Science, Indore

Department of Electrical Engineering
Experiment No.1
1.1
Object
To understand the switching characteristics of controlled power semiconductor devices

such as SCR, GTO, TRIAC, BJT, MOSFET and IGBT as a power electronic switch.
1.2
Motivation
There is a vast proliferation of power switching semiconductor devices, each offering

various features, attributes, and limitations. Power semiconductor devices constitute the
heart of modern power electronics system. These devices are used in power electronics
converter in the form of matrix of on-off switches and help to convert power from AC to
DC (rectifiers), DC to DC (choppers and SMPS), DC to AC (inverters) and AC to AC at
the same frequency ( AC voltage controllers) or different frequencies (cyclo-converters).
The switch mode power conversion gives high efficiency. In order to develop better
insight of these power electronics converter, it is important to have a clear understanding
of these switching devices.
1.3
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Apparatus Required
0-30V, 2 Amp power supply
15V, 1Amp power supply
Setup board,
Patch cords
1.4
Theory
In power electronics, static power devices are used as controllable switches. The switch
closes when control signal is applied, provided some other conditions are also satisfied.
Some devices get latched in conduction, i.e. once put into conduction; the control terminal
has no effect on its conducting state. For some other devices the continuous application of
control signal necessary to keep the switch closed.
There are devices which when closed cannot be opened by simply removing control
signals. On the other hand, there are devices which can be turned off by the application or
removal of control signal.
In this experiment switching behavior of following power semiconductor devices as a six
static power devices are explored as,
1.4.1 Silicon controlled rectifier (SCR)
The SCR is a unidirectional switch. It is a latching device with four layers. It can operate
in any one of the following states:
a)
Forward blocking state:

SGSITS-Power Electronics Lab |
Shri G. S. Institute of Technology & Science, Indore

In this state the anode potential is maintained positive with respect to cathode and the gate
current is made to zero. The SCR behaves as an open switch.
Fig. 1.1 Symbolic Representation of SCR

b)
Forward conduction state
In this state the anode potential is made positive with respect to cathode. The application
of the gate current triggers the SCR into conduction, voltage V ak falls to a small value (11.5V). Once the device is put in conduction the gate current, whether positive or negative
has no effect on its state.
c)
Reverse blocking state
In this state the anode potential is made negative with respect to cathode. The device
remains in OFF state. The gate current whether positive or negative has no effect on the
status of SCR.
Procedure:
Apply Vak of 15V

Make Ig =0
Measure Ia and check the SCR status
Make Ig = 10 mA
Measure Ia and check SCR status
Make Ig = 0 measure Ia & check SCR status
Make Ig =-10 measure Ia & check SCR status
Make Vak = -15V
Make Ig = 0 measure Ia & check SCR status
Make Ig = 10mA, measure Ia & check SCR status
Record your observation in Table-1
Observation Table 1
Sr.No.
Vak(in volts)
Ig(in mA)
Ia(in mA)
SCR status

1.4.2 Gate Turn Off Thyristor (GTO)
GTO is a four layer device. Similar to SCR, this device is also unidirectional. The main
difference between GTO and SCR is that conducting SCR cannot be turned off by
applying negative gate current. While a conducting GTO can be turned off by applying a
negative gate current of suitable magnitude.
Fig. 1.2 Symbolic Representation of GTO

Procedure:
Apply Vak of +15V

Make Ig = 0 mA, measure Ia and check GTO status.
Make Ig = 0 mA, measure Ia and check GTO status.
Make Ig = 15mA, measure Ia and check GTO status.
Turn on the device by making Ig = 15mA.
Slowly increase Ig in negative direction and measure Ig for which SCR turns off.
Determine communication gain of GTO.
Record your observations in Table 2
Observation Table 2
S.No.
Vak(in volts)
Ig(in mA)
Ia(in mA)
Status
1.4.3 TRIAC:
TRIAC is a bidirectional device, i.e. it can conduct in both directions unlike the SCR
which is unidirectional. Another important feature of this device is that it can be triggered
into conduction by both the positive & negative gate currents. TRIAC is a latching device
i.e. the gates has no control once the device is put into conduction.
Procedure:
Apply Vs = 15V.
Set Ig = 0mA, and measure Id and check device status.
Increase Ig till the device turns on
Make Ig = 0mA, measure Id and check device status.
Turn off Vs to ensure that TRIAC is in off state, increase Ig slowly in negatives
direction till the device is turned ON. Note this Ig.

Repeat above steps for Vs = -15V
Fig. 1.3 Symbolic Representation of TRIAC

Observation Table 3
S.NO.
1
2
3
4
5
6
Vs (in Volt)
Vs = +15V
+Ig required for turn-ON of device
-Ig required for turn-ON of device
Vs = -15V
+Ig required for turn-ON of device
-Ig required for turn-ON of device
Ig (in mA)
ID(in mA)
Status
= .. mA
= .. mA
= .. mA
= .. mA
1.4.4 Power BJT

Use of power BJT was quite common till recent times. It is a modified version of
conventional BJT. Power BJTs are available with VCEO =1000V and Icmax = 300A
Fig.1.4 Symbolic Representation of POWER BJT (NPN & PNP type)

Procedure:
Set Vs = 15V,
Set Vb = 0V, Measure Ic and check the status
Set Vb = 10V, Measure Ib and Ic and check the status
Set Vb = 0V, Measure Ib and Ic and check the status
Record your observation in table
Observation Table 4

S.No.
Ib(in mA)
Ic(in mA)
Status
1
2
3
4
1.4.5 POWER MOSFET:
Fig. 1.5 Symbolic Representation of POWER MOSFET

There are two major problem associated with power BJTs. There are (i) Significant drive
requirement for large collector currents & (ii) the switching speed. The development of
POWER MOSFET has nearly replaced the use of POWER BJTs in major applications.
Power MOSFET is bidirectional device, but controlled in only one direction. The device
turns-ON when gate to source voltage is increased to about +10V. The input impedance of
the device is very large hence the drive requirements are quite simple. The device turns off
when gate potential is set to zero. New generation of power MOSFETs can handle
voltages of about 1000 V and currents of 20 A. The Switching times are less than sec.
Procedure:
Set VDS = 15V, Vg = 0V and measure ID , and check status

Set Vg = 10V, Measure ID, and check status
Set Vg = 0V, Measure ID, and check status
Note Down above observation in table
Observation Table 5
S.No.
Vg(in Volt)
ID(in mA)
Status
1
2
3
4
1.4.6 IGBT (Insulated gate bipolar transistor)

Fig.1.6 Symbolic Representation of IGBT

The insulated gate bipolar transistor is relatively new introduction to the family of static
power switching device. The ON state voltage is less like BJT, and switching speed is high
like MOSFETs.
Procedure:
Set VCE = 15V, set Vg = 0V, measure Ic and check the device status
Set Vg = 10V, measure Ic and check the device status.
Set Vg = 0V, measure Ic and check the device status.
Record the observations in table.
Observation Table 6
S.No.
Vg(in Volt)
Ic(in mA)
Status
1
2
3
4
1.5 Report:
1.
Give reasons why power BJTs have been replaced by power MOSFETS and IGBTs
2.
in modern power electronic applications.

List important specifications of (a) SCR (b) GTO (c) BJT (d) Power MOSFET (e)
3.
IGBT
A thyristor is used to modulate power from a dc source, the input voltage is V s =
600 V, to a Resistive load, whose value is R = 3. If the Thyristor has a latching
current that is Ila = 100mA and an equivalent junction capacitance of 200pF,
calculate the minimum value of the snubber capacitor across the Thyristor to
prevent turn-on if the supply circuit breaker is closed. What is the dv / dt withstand
4.
of the Thyristor?
A power MOSFET modulates power from a dc supply, whose voltage is Vs = 100
V to a resistive load, whose value is R = 5. For a gate voltage V GS = 10 V, the onstate resistance between drain and source is R DS(ON) = 0.06. If the MOSFET is on

for a long time, determine (a) the power dissipated in the MOSFET due to
conduction and (b) the efficiency of operation if the supply is considered ideal
Experiment No.2
2.1
Object:
Design a relaxation oscillator circuit using Unijunction Transistor (UJT) to be used as a

firing circuit for single-phase phase controlled rectifiers
2.2
Motivation:
In case of uncontrolled rectifiers, the rectified DC output voltage is dependent on the

amplitude of AC input voltage and the load. The output voltage is therefore unregulated.
As the input voltage varies, so does the output voltage. In case of phase controlled
rectifiers, line and load regulation are achieved by using thyrsitor family of power switch
to control the conduction angle of sine input in response to some desired control. In view
of such requirements of phase controlled converters it is relevant to have an understanding
the basic requirements to design such firing circuits. UJT is considered to one of the
simplest control device to design firing circuits.
2.3
Apparatus Required:
Oscilloscope, Setup board, DC regulated Power Supply (0.30V)

2.4
Theory
The UJT is commonly used for configuring the triggering circuit used to fire SCRs and
TRIACs. Its popularity can be seen from the fact that a large variety of configuration can
be created with great ease using the low cost and readily available device, for mastering its
apparatus one must understand its construction thoroughly.
A lightly doped N type channel is selected as the testing material. Ohmic contacts are
made at the two ends of the channel are named as Base-1 and Base2. Near to the center of
channel closer to base-2 a p-type impurity is diffused or allowed to form a P-N junction.
Since the channel is lightly doped, a few charge carriers are available between base-1 (B 1)

and base2 (B2) and therefore reasonably large resistance = 10 k) is observed. The ohmic
contact made to P- type impurity is called emitter.
2.4.1 Equivalent circuit of UJT
The resistor RB1 and RB2 decides the inter-base voltage VBB. This ratio is called intrinsic
stand-off ratio ( ). Thus the voltage available on cathode side of internal equitter diodes is
X VBB. When Ve is maintained to zero volts, this diode get reverse biased and permit only
reverse leakage current. This leakage current is almost independent of reverse voltage.
With increase in Ve the reverse voltage reduces and the leakage current nearly remains
constant. It is shown by characteristics of UJT.
At point b the volt across the internal diode is very low and the current rapidly moves to
zero and increases in positive direction. At point d the switch mode became forward biased
and holes are attracted in to the lower point of the channel. This is reduced the resistance
RB1. It is called conductivity modulation. Thus more injection of hole results in lesser
RB1 and lesser VBB. Thus increase in emitter shows negative dynamic resistance. If the
holes injection is still increased then the lower region becomes saturated and such an
attempt will result in emitter voltage with increase in emitter current. The boundary at
which the negative dynamic resistance begins is called peak point. For proper operation
the point of operation must lie in negative dynamic resistance characteristic.
2.4.2 Relaxation Oscillator

A relaxation oscillator can be constructed using UJI. Choice of various elements depends
up on the timing range required and the energy requirements of the thyristor to be
triggered.

When a DC voltage VBB (inter base voltage) is applied the timing capacitor CT is charged
through timing resistor. The Capacitor voltage is given as:
When Vc reaches VBB +0.6, the internal emmiter diode begins conduction injecting hole
in to lower base region. The device shown negative dynamic resistance and the capacitor
CT discharge in to the resistor in Rin (RBI is reduced to small value due to conductivity
modulation). Usually this time is very small when the CT get discharge the number of
holes in lower base region are reduced and cannot maintain low RBI. This increases the
cathode side voltage of emitter diode. The process become cumulative and the device turn
off. The timing capacitors again charge through RT & above procedure is repeated. The
capacitor voltage waveform and the discharge current waveform through RBI are shown
below.
Neglecting discharge time period, the time period T of the relaxation oscillator can be
obtained as:
t=time during which capacitor charges from Vv to
VBB+0.5volts as approximately from
0 volts to VBB volts.

=
1-
t= RC In
t= RtCt In
f= =
The resistor RT is limited to a value between 2kohm and 3Mohm. The upper limit on R T is
set by the requirement that the load line formed by R T and VBB interceds the device

characteristics to the right of the peak point. If the load line fails to pass to the right point,
the UJT will not turn. This condition will be satisfied if R1<
The recommended range of inter base supply voltages is 10 V to 30 volts. For given the
VP will change accordingly to VBB. In general RB1 is limited below 100 Ohms. The resister
RB1 is connected to compensate for decrease in VP due to temperature rise and to protect
UJT from thermal run away. RB2 is 100 ohms or more.
2.5 Procedure
Set VBB = 5 volts

Use R1 C1 combination
See whether the oscillator oscillates or not
If it oscillates measure the time period
Repeat steps 2,3 and 4 to increasing VBB up to 20V
If the oscillator fails to oscillate justify it by calculations
2.6 Observation Table

SR.NO.
RT
CT
VBB
OSCILLATING
YES/NO
TIME
TIME PERIOD
PERIOD
CALCULATED
MEAS.
1.
2
3
4
5
The output pulses are available across RB1, by connecting pulse transformer primary the
isolated. Pulses across another 2 secondaries can be seen simultaneously. The bridge &
zener diode combination makes the pulse generator circuit in synchronism with AC for
10

controlling the converter circuit. The bridge & zener can be passed to see only relaxation
oscillator circuit.
2.7 Report
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Draw load line for at least three cases for which no Oscillation were observed.
Trace the voltage waveform across CT and RB1 for two cases.
Define peak and valley point voltage of UJT.
What is the use of pulse transformer?
Why do we require turn-on circuits for thyristors?
Design a UJT base triggering circuit with following parameters as V s=20 V, =0.66,
Ip=10A, Vv=2.5 V and Iv=10 mA. The frequency of oscillation is f=1 kHz and the
width of the gate pulse is tg=40 s.
Experiment No.3
3.1 Object
Evaluate the performance of single-phase AC voltage controller using TRIAC-DIAC
combination. Record the waveforms of input supply voltage, output voltage, TRIAC
voltage, DIAC voltage and capacitor voltage under different firing angles.
3.2 Motivation
If a bi-directional switch is connected between AC supply and load, the power flow can be
controlled by varying the rms value of AC voltage applied to the load and this type of
power circuit is known as AC voltage controller. There is very wide range of applications
of these AC voltage controllers such as induction heating, on-load transformer connection
changing, light dimmer control, speed control of induction motor etc. These AC voltage
controllers are available in both single phase and three-phase version. In view of these
applications, it is quite relevant to study the performance of AC voltage controller.
3.3 Apparatus Required
Setup Board, Patch cords, step down transformer (220V-110V), input AC supply, Lamp
Load, digital oscilloscope
3.4 Theory
Fig. 3.1 shows the symbolic representation of a TRIAC. The TRIAC is a bidirectional
three terminal latching switch. It is a member of thyristor family. The TRIAC can be
11

triggered in to conduction for either polarity of applied voltage by applying a suitable
magnitude of gate current of either polarity. Due to restricted values of
ratings,
TRIACs are mainly used for low applications.
Fig.3.1 Symbolic Representation of TRIAC

The two power terminals are designated as MT1 &MT2. Control signal is applied between
Gate and MT1 terminals. Phase Control circuits incorporating RC delay circuits are
rarely used because of the fact that the circuit performance heavily depends up on device
characteristics and
limitation becomes a critical problem.
The DIAC is a gain a bi-directional switching device without any control terminal.
Symbolic representation of DIAC is shown in Fig. 3.2.
Fig.3.2 Symbolic Representation of DIAC

The DIAC does not conduct until the voltage across the device exceeds Vbo. Once the
DIAC breaks it loses its capability to block any voltage. This behavior of DIAC makes it
suitable choice for triggering TRIAC reliably.
3.5 DIAC Based Triggering Circuit
The DIAC based phase control trigger circuit is shown in figure below:-
12

For simplicity in understanding, let us assume that R1 is small and the total capacitance C
is
C1+C2. This is makes the phase control circuit a first order circuit.
During positive half of AC Cycle the capacitor gets its charging current through resistor.
This charges the capacitor with its upper plate positive. When the instantaneous capacitor
voltage exceeds the +Vbo of DIAC the DIAC breaks and capacitor discharges in to the gate
MT1 terminals of TRIAC, thus turning it ON. During negative half cycle, the capacitor
gets charged again through R but now with its upper plate negative. When the
instantaneous value of capacitor voltage exceeds Vbo the DIAC breaks and capacitor draws
the discharge current away from gate terminal. Since TRIAC can be forced in to
conduction by both positive and negative gate current, it turns ON.
The time taken by capacitor to get charged to Vbo can be expressed as follows:
Vc = Vbo =
sin (
(3.1)
Where
The manual solution of this equation is quite difficult as it is a transcendental equation.
Digital Computers can be used for such cases. For understanding above mentioned
aspects, bypass R1 and follow the procedure as below:3.6 Procedure
Connect the setup as shown in the figure
13

Adjust the delay angle to
Measure R
Measure the RMS Load Voltage
Repeat step 2 through 4 for
observation tables.
Remove bypass across R1 and observe the range of control of firing angle.
Trace the load voltage, TRIAC voltage, DIAC, voltage DIAC current and capacitor
and record the observation in the
voltage waveform.
3.7 Observations
S.NO
R(Meas)
(Meas)
(cal)
Vrms(Meas)
Vrms(Cal)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
3.8 Report
1. Derive the transcendental equation used.
2. Comment on the difference between measured load voltage and calculated load
voltage.
3. Why TRIACs are not used for high power applications.
4. Comment on the performance of first order and second order phase control circuits for
TRIACs.
5. A single-phase AC voltage controller has a resistive load of R=10 and the input
voltage is Vs= 120 V, 50 Hz. The delay angle of TRIAC is 900. Determine (a) the rms
value of output voltage (b) the input power factor (c) the average input current.
14

Experiment No.4
4.1
Object
Study and observe the performance of a TCA-785 based triggering circuit used for single
phase controlled converter.
4.2 Motivation
The key factor in the widespread use of thyristors for controlling power is their ability to
switch from non-conducting to conducting state in response to a small control signal. The
essential requirements to develop proper trigger circuit include adequate gate current and
voltage, synchronization with the input supply and isolation between power and control
section. To reduce the complexity of control and its size, integrated circuits (IC) are
available commercially to incorporate all such functionality. The motivation behind this
experiment is to understand the operation of one such commercial available IC named
TCA-785 manufactured by Siemens for DC drive applications.
TCA-785 based firing circuit, 30 volt / 2 Amp. Regulated DC power supply, input AC
supply, Digital Oscilloscope, Patch chords etc.
4.4 Thoery
Fig. 4.1 shows the schematic architecture of TCA-785 IC. The design of control circuits
used in Power Electronics equipment depends heavily upon design experience and
background of design engineer. A large no. of designs can be created to meet the specific
requirements making firing circuits for single for single phase and three phase line
15

commutated converts. These circuits can be constructed using discrete components,
integrated circuits or dedicated integrated circuits. However, the principle of working
remains same in all cases.
The TCA-785 is a dedicated integrated circuit for use as firing circuit for firing the line
commutated converts, which bare minimum no. of external components practical firing
circuit can be fabricated. A detailed study block diagram and function of various pins is
essential.
4.4.1
Pin Description
The TCA-785 is a sixteen pin integrated circuit. Names and functions of different pins are
as follows:
Pin 1: GND: This pin provides the ground connection for the entire ICs system ground
should be properly connected to this pin.
Pin 2: Q2, the IC generates two pulses in every cycle. One in positive half cycle and other
in negative half cycle of input cycle. Q2 is the inverted pulse in positive of input cycle.
Pin 3: QU, output U, the signal at this pin is set to high state when ramp voltage at pin 10
just exceeds the control voltage applied to pin 11 in the negative half of the input cycle.
This remains high till the ramp voltage at pin 10 just exceeds the control voltage applied to
pin 11 in positive half cycle. Thus in a standard case of firing angle , V3 shall be at in
negative half cycle, it shall be reset at in succeeding positive half cycle. Normally used
for controlling the external logic.
Pin 4: Q1, it is the inverted output pulse generated in the negative half cycle.
Pin 5: VSYNC, the firing pulses are generated with respect to some reference supply
voltage. The reference supply voltage should be applied at this pin. Generally the antiparallel diodes are connected between this pin and ground to limit the voltage at this pin
within +0.5 volts.
Pin6: I, Inhibit: A low voltage at pin 6 inhibits (stops) the functioning of TCA-785. Both
Q1 and Q2 outputs driven to low state. Generally it is used to block the firing pulses in
response to some emergency condition.
Pin 7: Output Z This is a signal which corresponds to a NOR link of Q 1 and Q2 may be
used for external control purpose.
Pin 8: VREF, A stabilized regulated supply is generated internally. The same is used for
making the internal reference current source. Typical value of VREF is 3.1 volts. The
temperature coefficient of reference voltage is 2*10-4 per Kelvin.
16

Pin 9: R9 Ramp resistance: This pin is used to control the value of current source. A
resistance designated as R9 is connected between pin 9 and ground. The resulting current
flowing out of pin 10 is given by
I10 = VREF *K / R9
Where K = 1.10+ 20%
Pin 10: C10 Ramp capacitance, this pin delivers a constant current decided by R 9. When
an external capacitor C10 is connected between pin 10 and ground. Capacitor is charged by
a constant current source. Thus the capacitor voltage is given by:
Vc = 1 / C10 i10 dt = I10 / C10* t
This is a ramp voltage. Maximum value of C10 is restricted to 1.0F.
Pin 11: Vn: Control voltage the ramp generated at pin 10 is compared with external control
voltage applied at pin 10. When the ramp voltage exceeds the control voltage A pulse is
produced at Q1 or Q2 is decided by the polarity of voltage at V SYN is positive the pulse is
produced at Q2. While for negative VSYN, the pulse is produced at Q1.
Pin 12: C12: Pulse extension; the pulse available at pin Q1 and Q2 is of short duration. For
most cases it is of sufficient width to trigger the SCRs. In case of SCRs feeding to a
heavily inductive loads an extended pulse is required. The capacitor connected at pin 12 to
ground extends its pulse at Q1 and Q2. The same can be extended up to 180 0. If pin 12 is
connected to ground, pulses with duration between to 180 0 will result. The pulse width
is roughly 620 F.
Pin 13 L; Long pulse; pin 13 can be used to extend the output the output pulse at Q1 and
Q2 to full pulse length (180-).
Pin 14: Q1 ; Output Q1
Pin 15: Q2 ; Output Q2
Pin 16: Vs ; supply voltage (Positive).
17

Fig. 4.1 Schematic architecture of TCA-785 IC

4.4.2 Case Study
A typical single phase firing circuit has been configured around TCA-785. The same can
be used to trigger following:
Single phase half wave rectifier.

Single phase midpoint converter.
Single phase semi controlled bridge converter.
Singe phase fully bridge converter.
Thyristor controlled reactor.
The design and operation of the circuit is explained as follows:
4.4.3 Synchronization
The firing pulse must be generated in synchronization with input supply. In the present
design of 220 volts/12 volts single phase two ant parallel diodes has been connected.
Let us assume that the current supplied by R is 10 times the current going into pin 5. This
shall eliminate the error. This current should flow when source voltage has just increases
to 1% of maximum value.
12* 21/2 sin = 0.01 *12 * 21/2
t = sin-1(0.01) = 0.572960 = 0.01 radians
Imax = 200mA. (at input of pin 5)
R = Vm sint /I
R = (0.01 * 12 * 21/2) / (200 * 10-3 * 10) = 84.85
Thus the circuit shall be able to recognize zero cross over well within.
Peak power dissipated in R = I2 R = 3.394* 10-4
Design of C10:
Let us select a typical value of C10 = 47 nF. The peak value of voltage achieved by C 10 due
to constant current charging is assumed to be 5 volts.
Vc = 1/C10 i dt = I/C10* t
18

Vc = 5 volts
T = 10* 10-3 sec.(half cycle)
=5* 47* 10-9 / 10 * 10-3
I = 23.5 mA.
4.4.4 Design of R9
I = VREF * K / R9
R9 = 3.1 * 1.1 / 23.5* 10-6
(IV) Let us assume that pin 12 is to be connected to ground so that output pulses at Q1 and
Q2 will extend from to 1800.
4.4.5 Design of Burst Firing

Typical 555 IC timer based burst firing circuit has been configured. Pin 4 of 555 (enable)
is used to control the oscillations of 555 based astable multivibrator. The duty cycle same
has been kept about 20% and the frequency of oscillations is 5 KHz.
4.4.6 Design of Pulse Amplifier
A standard pulse amplifier has been chosen with two identical secondary windings.
4.5 Observation
Observe and trace waveforms at selected points of circuit. At pin 10 (Q1 & Q2) and at V5
(input voltage).
Vary control voltage and record the variations of waveform using digital oscilloscope.
Waveforms of firing pulses available at the secondary of pulse transformer.
4.6 Report
1.
Plot the graph between control voltage and firing angle
2.
Define burst firing. Why it is essential for phase controlled converters?
3.
What is synchronization and how it is achieved in case of TCA-785 firing
circuit?
4.
Why isolation is needed and how it is obtained?
19

Experiment No.5
5.1 Object
Design and evaluate the performance of switching aid circuits (Turn-Off and Turn-On).
Obtain the trace of device voltage and currents during turn-on time and turn-off time with
and without switching aid circuits.
5.2 Motivation
All power devices have limited operating capabilities. Reliable and satisfactory use of
devices depends on ensuring that the circuit conditions imposed on them is always within
their capabilities. To achieve this, device has to be surrounded by components chosen to
protect it against the extreme conditions, enabling an economic and easily obtainable
device to be used. The device should be protected against abnormal conditions for
satisfactory and reliable operation so that it faithfully adheres to the specified
characteristics of the manufacturer. The aim of conducting this experiment is to understand
the purpose of limiting the stress on semiconductor switching devices (bipolar junction
transistor) during switching transitions.
Cathode Ray Oscilloscope, Power Supply 0-30 V/ 2A, function generator, setup board,
patch cards
5.4 Theory
The static power devices are used as switches in power electronic circuits. During steady
state, this static ON and OFF state device losses are small. It is only during the transitions
from ON state to OFF state and from OFF state to ON state; the instantaneous power loss
in device may acquire quite high values. Thus the device is stressed critically during these
switching transitions. The device is stressed critically during these switching power device
allows practically the full current and as the same time blocks substantial voltage.
Such a switching operation may drive the operating point of the device beyond its safe
operating area (SOA). External circuits, known as switching aid or snubbers are used to
assist the static devices during switching operation by reducing the peak power dissipation
in the device. Different types of switching aids are used to help the device during turn OFF
and turn ON switching aids respectively
5.4.1 Turn-Off Snubbers
20

A typical TURN-OFF snubbers circuit consists of a capacitor Cs, diode Ds and resistance
Rs. Circuit shown below gives the general construction features.
Action of the circuit:
Let us consider the circuit shown in Fig. 5.1, when the switches have been maintained in
ON state for sufficiently long time, the constant Ico is given as follows:
Ico = Vcc/R
The voltage
is nearly zero. Initially assume that no snubbers have been connected
across the switch. The moment base drive is removed the collector currnt Ic starts falling.
Since the load is inductive, the current magnitude remains constant. The reduction in Ic is
instantaneously compensated by the flow of current through freewheeling diode Dm.
Necessary forward voltage is provided by the voltage induced in load inductance. This
causes collector voltage Vce to rise to Vcc immediately in the above explanation the
storage time has been neglected varaiations in Ic and Vce as shoen below in fig.
The peak power dissipation in the device is given by:
Pd peak =
The peak power dissipation in the device can be controlled by reshaping the time variation
in
. For thid a combination of Rs, Ds and Cs is used. When the time voltage
device is building up due to removal of base drive, the fall in

charging is drawn by Cs, through Ds. Assuming linear fall of
=
-(
)/
across
is compensated by the
in
seconds.
[1-(t/ )]
The capacitor current is expressed as

=(
)/
With the zero initial charge on the capacitors

= 1/C
dt = 1/c
is expressed as;
x t/
dt
The instantaneous device dissipation is given by:

21

=
=
(1-t/ ) x (
)/ 2c
For maximum dissipation d

d
=0
= 0 = 2t-(3 )/ t
t =2/3 X
Thus the maximum dissipation will occur at t = 2/3
(4
) (8t
and its value is given as:
27 )
Fig. 5.1 Schematic diagram of switching-aid circuit

This is small as compared to
Vcd (without snubber?)
5.5 Procedure
Set
= 20 volts
Apply base drive pulses of 10 volts magnitude and 0.25 ms duration of 1 khz
frequency approximately.
22

Trace
and
variation on a suitable scale with out snubbers
Measure the fall time

Calculate
from trace obtained. Also calculate
Connect
Trace is and
Calculate
max without snubbers.
in snubbers circuit.
waveforms during turn off period
and
max from this trace.
Repeat above exercise for
and
Note the effect of
on the current is during turn ON (What changes in CRO
and
settings are required?)

Repeat steps 6 to 10 for
and
Note down the results in a table.
23


S.NO
Capacitor
Resistor
max
from trace
max from
calculation
peak at
turn ON
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
With out
snubbers
10
5.7 Report
1. Comments on the difference between measured
2. Observe the change in
if diode
max and calculated
max.
is not connected. Justify the observations.
3. Give the importance of snubbers in SCR circuits. What additional advantage is offered
by snubbers when applied in SCR circuits?
4. What type of capacitors are used in snubbers
5. In the circuits just assume that
calculate power ratio of
= 50 volts keeping remaining/ parameters same,
if used with
Experiment No. 6
6.1 Object
24

Evaluate the performance of single-phase controlled rectifiers with R and RL loads. Trace
the waveforms of input AC voltage, input current, output voltage, output current, switch
voltage and current with different rectifier configurations and determine form factor, ripple
factor, and displacement power factor. Also plot a graph V0 v/s firing angle.
SCR module TYA612, step down transformer (220V/24V, 500VA), DC regulated Power
supplies (0-30V, 5A), Wattage Resistors, Ammeter, Voltmeter, UJT or TCA-785 based
firing circuit, Inductor, patch cards, oscilloscope etc.
6.3 Theory
Single-phase controlled rectifier circuits may be classified as,
Half controlled
Fully controlled mid-point configuration
Fully controlled mid-point configuration with freewheeling diode
Fully controlled bridge rectifier
Fully controlled bridge rectifier with free-wheeling diode
Fig. 6.1 shows the circuit diagram of these rectifier circuits.

Performance parameters of rectifiers
Average Output (Load) Voltage =Vdc
Average Output (Load) Current = Idc
Output DC Power Pdc= Vdc* Idc
RMS Output (Load) Voltage = Vrms
RMS Output (Load) Current = Irms
Output AC Power Pac= Vrms* Irms
The Efficiency (Rectification Ratio)= = Pdc/Pac
The Output (Load) Voltage (Vdc) may be assumed to be composed of

DC Component; and
AC Component (i.e. Ripple)
The effective (RMS) value of AC component of output voltage

Vac = (Vrms2-Vdc2)
The Form Factor
FF = Vrms/Vdc
The Ripple Factor
25

RF = Vac/Vdc
With the help of Equations discussed in the previous slide the Ripple Factor can be
rewritten as
RF = {(Vrms/ Vdc)2 1}
= (FF2 1)
The Transformer Utilization Factor may be defined as
TUF = Pdc/(Vs* Is)
Where Vs and Is are the Source Voltage and Current respectively.
The Displacement Factor is defined as
DF = Cos
Where is the angle between the fundamental component of input current and voltage
and known as displacement angle.
The Harmonic Factor of input current is defined as
I2 I2
HF s 2 s1
I
s1
1/ 2
I 2
s 1
Is1
1/ 2
Where Is1 is the Fundamental component of the input current Is. Both Is1 and Is are
expressed here in RMS value
The input Power factor is defined as
PF
Vs Is1
I
cos s1 cos
Vs Is
Is
Fig. 6.1 single-phase rectifier configurations (a) mid-point (b) mid-point with free-wheel
diode (c) Bridge rectifier (d) bridge rectifier with free-wheel diode
6.4 Procedure
26

Assemble the circuit as per required configuration using SCR modules, step down
transformer, loads and firing circuit.

Connections are made as shown in the circuit diagram for resistive load.
By varying the firing angle in step wise manner, corresponding values voltages
from C.R.O. and VDC from DC voltmeter for resistive load, the readings may be
tabulated in the tabular column
Plot a graph of VDC or Vload or VO v/s firing angle

Observe the waveforms at different points as shown and waveforms are traced on
tracing paper
For inductive load repeat above steps
6.5 Report
1. Draw all sets of waveforms on graph papers.
2. Explain the performance and working operation of single-phase full controlled rectifier
with relevant waveforms for resistive load, resistive-inductive loads.
3. Explain semi-controlled rectifier circuits using waveforms and its possible quadrants.
Experiment No. 7
7.1 Object
Analyze the performance of step down chopper with R-L loads. Plot for the output
voltage, output current, switch voltage and current, diode voltage and current. Study the
effect on peak-peak ripple current under change in switching frequency and load
inductance.
7.2 Motivation
27

The chopper is used to obtain variable voltage DC supply from the fixed voltage DC
supply. It serves the purpose of transformer in DC supply. Moreover, the prominent
application of choppers is in speed control of DC machine. In view of this, it is quite
relevant to study the chopper circuits.
30V/2A DC power supply, variable inductors, step down chopper setup, pulse generator,
CRO.
7.4 Theory
The output voltage of a chopper is given by
Where D is the duty cycle of the chopper

The peak current is expressed as
And the valley current is given by
The Peak to peak ripple current IPP can be shown as
The design of chopper cicuit include

i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
Selection of switching elements(voltage rating/current rating/Switching speed)

Selection of inductance
Selection of chopping frequency
Selection of freewheeling diode
Design of control circuit.
28

Fig. 7.1: Step down Chopper

7.5 Procedure:
Some of the above aspects are studied in this experiment.
7.5.1 Effect of duty cycle D on output voltage
The output voltage of a chopper can be controlled by adjusting the duty cycle. To Study
this follow the instruction given below.
i) Connect the setup as shown
ii) Select L = 100mH
iii) Select f = 5kHz
iv) Select Ton for D = 10%
v) Measure output DC voltage
vi) Repeat above steps for increasing duty cycle.
The properly designed chopper parameters should contain the ripple content of the output
current within specified limits. The ripple current follows the chopping frequency & the
inductance. The peak value of ripple current IP & the valley value of ripple current IV are
given by
and
7.5.2 Effect of frequency on ripple current

i. Connect the ramp
ii.
Set f = 1 kHz
29

iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
7.5.3
Set Ton = 0.5ms(D = 0.5)

Measure IP and IV
Increase the frequency and adjust Ton such that D = 0.5
Repeat above steps for increasing frequencies
Effect of ripple current
The inductance is an important parameter in chopper design it helps in keeping the
ripple current within specified limits. For studding the effect on ripple current follow
the steps written below.

i.
Connect the setup
ii.
Set f = 5kHz
iii.
Set L = 250mH
iv. Set D = 0.5
v. Measure IP and IV
vi.
Reduce inductance
vii.
Repeat above steps for all inductances given
7.6 Report
1. Draw a graph between D and VDC
2. Draw a graph between f and IPP
3. Draw a graph between L and IPP
Experiment No 8
8.1 Object
Study and design of current commutation circuit for SCRs used in forced commutated
inverters and choppers. Trace the waveforms of voltage and currents of main and auxiliary
SCR, inductor current etc.
Digital Oscilloscope, setup board, 0-30 V/2A regulated Dc power supply patch cards etc.
8.3 Theory
30

SCRs are quite commonly used in power electronic circuits. They pose one typical
problem when used in inverter and chopper configuration, therefore, a special components
arrangement is required to achieve the turn-OFF of SCRs at required moment. A
conduction, SCR can be turned OFF only by reducing its forward current below its
holding current for a time at least equal to its turn-off time. Application of reverse of
reverse voltage across the SCR to be turned OFF during its turn-OFF improves the turnOFF process.
Additional RLC circuits along with SCR as a controlled switch are used to reduce the
forward current of SCR to zero and to apply the required negative voltage across the SCR
to be turned-OFF. These circuits are called SCR commutating circuits.
Several types of forced commutation circuits have been developed, each with its relative
merits and demerits. One such technique is being discussed here and it is known as current
commutation of SCRs.
The circuit shown in fig.8.1 Shows a chopper using forced commutation of SCR based on
current commutation technique. The SCR Th1 and diode D1 are the main power switching
elements. Diodes D1, D2, SCR Th2 and passive components L and C form the auxiliary
circuit for achieving the commutation of Th1.and Th2 is achieved by applying gate pulses
to them at suitable moments. The resistor R is quite large and serves the purpose of
charging capacitor C when chopper is left in OFF state.
The examination of the complete circuit shown that there are several static switches. Every
time a device switches, the circuit configuration changes, and when one cycle of switching
is completed, we return to first configuration and the next cycle commences.
We shall commence from the configuration when Th1 and Th2 are OFF. Under this
condition source V is disconnected from the source. The capacitor C gets charged to V,
with its upper plate positive through resistor R.
The next cycle begins when SCR Th1 is triggered into conduction. The resulting
conditions are shown below.
31

Fig.No.8.2
The steady state value of load current IL is given by,
When SCR Th1 is to be turned OFF, SCR Th2 is fired. The resulting circuit configuration is
as shown below. Both SCRs Th1 and Th2 are in ON state.
The capacitor C discharges through SCR Th2 and L. Resulting discharge current IC and
the capacitor voltage Vc given by the following expression.
32

When = (1/ LC)1/2

And
Ipeak = V(C/ L)1/2
If the commutation is to be successful I peak must be considerably larger than the load
current IL. The waveform for IC and VC are scratched below.
At the and of time interval t=T, the current IC is reduced to zero. The capacitor reverses its
chare. After time t=T. The SCR Th 2 turns OFF and diode D 1 is forward biased. Resulting
configuration is shown below.
Fig. No. 8.3
Fig. No. 8.4
33

The reverse charged capacitor C, now discharges through D 1 and Th1. Since the load
current IL remains constant due to large load inductance, hence the sum of Th 1 current I1
and current IC should be usual to IL.
IC + Il =IL
While IC = V(C/l)1/2 sin t
When ic become equal to IL the Th1 current I1 is reduced to zero and Th1 is turned OFF.
Current Ic builds up further to l peak. Since load current can not change the difference in
current ic Ic impose a reverse voltage across Th1,thus enhance its recovery. The excess
current ic Ic now flows through diode D2. Resulting configuration is shown in figure.
When ic reaches its peak it starts falling. When its value equal I1, diode D2 is switched OFF
since the load current is constant, the capacitor gets charged with constant current I L.
Resulting circuit configuration is shown in figure.
Fig. No. 8.5
Fig. No. 8.6

During constant charging interval the capacitor voltage increases, and load voltage V-V C.
When VC equal V, the load voltage reverses, and diode Df is forward biased.
34

Fig. No. 8.7

Inspection of above loop shows that a part of I 2 is supplied by oscillating current ic which
is now reducing and remaining part by idf through Df.
Fig. No. 8.8

The initial conditions as,
CCO = the capacitor voltage at the end of constant current charging interval
I1 = the initial current
The solution of this equation is,
IC = IL cos t
Because of the charging current continuing in the same direction, the capacitor voltage
keeps increasing and it gets over charged above V. This continue till ic =0. The will happen
at t = TON.
The capacitor over voltage is given by,
VC =IL (L/C)
8.4 Procedure
1. IL = 200 mA by adjusting = 15 Volt
2. Use C1
35

3. Turn-ON SCR Th1 by pressing switch SW1
4. Turn-ON SCR Th2 by pressing switch SW2
5. Record the Th1 current waveform, ic current waveform, VC waveform and id2 current
waveforms.
6. Repeat above experiment with C2 and C3.
8.5 Observations
Sr. No.
Capacitor
C1
C2
C3
IC peak
IC peak T
(means) (cal)
(means) (cal)
Total
Total
(means) (cal)
SCR
Status
The same setup can be used to implement a dc-dc chopper using a chopper firing circuit.
8.6 Procedure
1.
2.
3.
4.
Set V= 20 volts
Connect main and auxiliary SCR gate pulse obtained from chopper firing circuit.
Trace the Th1, Th2, ic and idl current waveforms.
Also trace the voltage waveform.
8.7 Report
1. Differentiate between current commutation and voltage commutation techniques of
commutating SCRs.
2. Design a current commutation circuit for following,
V = 200 Volts.
IL = 50 Amps.
T = 15 s.
Also compute the peak capacitor/ inductor current.
3. What types of capacitor are suitable as commutating capacitor?
Experiment No. 9
9.1 Object
Study and design of voltage commutation circuits of SCR used in forced commutated
inverters and choppers. Trace the device voltage, capacitor voltage, device current with on
different RC combinations.
36

Digital storage oscilloscope. Power supply, setup board.
9.3 Theory
One of the important characteristics of SCR is that once triggered into conduction, the
gate terminal loses its control. The latched device can be switched off only if the device
forward current is brought to zero ( below holding current ) for sufficient time ( T off
time ) for this, if a reverse voltage is applied across the device, the turn OFF will occur.
The line commuted converters, in which the reduction of forward current to zero and the
application of reverse voltage is natural due to reversal of ac supply. But for converters
operating from dc source, such current zeroes are normally absent. To achieve turn-OFF
of SCRs in such cases external circuits are required which create the current zero and
supply reverse voltage across the device to be turned-OFF. These circuits are called
commutation circuits as they commutate the SCR current temporarily to auxiliary path.
The SCR can be turned-OFF by applying only a reverse voltage across it and thus shifting
the current almost instantaneously. Such type of commutation is called VOLTAGE
COMMUTATION.
Simple RC circuit. The initial charge on the capacitor at the time of switching the switch
SW2 is VCO. Expression for current and voltage are given as follows:
i = (E + VCO)/R e(-t/RC)
And
VC = E (E- VCO) e(-t/RC)
The moment at which capacitor voltage reduces to zero is obtained as under :0 = E- ( E VCO ) e (-t/RC)
e (-t/RC) = E / (E - VCO)
e (-t/RC) = (E VCO) / E
t = RC in (E - VCO) / E
Turn on SCR by momentarily closing switch SW1. Change switch SW2 to lower position.
This will charge capacitor C with its left plate positive to E volts. The SCR current is E/
R. To turn-OFF SCR, switch SW2 is now thrown upward. This instantaneously reverse
biases SCR. The current passing through capacitor is expressed as:
I = (2E/R) e(-t/RC)
And capacitor voltage which is same as the SCR voltage is given as follows:
VC= E (E - VCO) e (-t/ RC)
Time period for which SCR will remain reverse biased Qt is given by,
37

t = R.C. In (2E/E) = RC In (2.0)
For ensuring the reliable turn off of SCR the time Qt should be more than the t off time of
device, the commutation failure will occur.
9.4 Procedure
Follow the steps given below for understanding above principle of voltage commutation
experimentally.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Connect DC supply to the setup Board.

Use capacitor C1 and resistor R1.
Through switch SW2 to lower position to charge C1 at required polarity.
Push switch SW1 momentarily to trigger SCR. SCR starts conducting.
Through SW2 to upper position for voltage commutation.
Monitor conduction of SCR. Also trace capacitor current and SCR voltage waveform.
Repeat above experiment for all remaining combinations of C and R.
Record the observation in a table.

Sr.
No.
C
F
R
Ohm
SCR
T
Current Meas.
A
s
T
Cal.
s
IC
Peak
A
Ic
Peak
A
SCR
Status
ON/
OFF
38

The commutation circuit just studied has two major problems. These are
1. The mechanical switch is impractical and hence unsuitable for real life
commutation circuits.
2. Every times the SCR is commutated so the charge on capacitor has to be reversed.
The practical commutation circuit has a static switch (another SCR & diode) with
energy storing elements for reversing the charge on capacitor.
9.6 Report
1. Trace the waveforms of capacitor voltage & SCR voltage from the screen using
butter paper.
2. Justify using various combinations of R& C the reliable commutation and failure.
39

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Shri G. S.

Institute of Technology & Science, Indore

To understand the switching characteristics of controlled power semiconductor devices

There is a vast proliferation of power switching semiconductor devices, each offering

Forward blocking state:

Shri G. S. Institute of Technology & Science, Indore

Fig. 1.1 Symbolic Representation of SCR

Apply Vak of 15V

SGSITS-Power Electronics Lab |

Shri G. S. Institute of Technology & Science, Indore

Fig. 1.2 Symbolic Representation of GTO

Apply Vak of +15V

Shri G. S. Institute of Technology & Science, Indore

Repeat above steps for Vs = -15V

Fig. 1.3 Symbolic Representation of TRIAC

1.4.4 Power BJT

Fig.1.4 Symbolic Representation of POWER BJT (NPN & PNP type)

SGSITS-Power Electronics Lab |

Shri G. S. Institute of Technology & Science, Indore

Fig. 1.5 Symbolic Representation of POWER MOSFET

Set VDS = 15V, Vg = 0V and measure ID , and check status

SGSITS-Power Electronics Lab |

Shri G. S. Institute of Technology & Science, Indore

Fig.1.6 Symbolic Representation of IGBT

in modern power electronic applications.

Shri G. S. Institute of Technology & Science, Indore

Design a relaxation oscillator circuit using Unijunction Transistor (UJT) to be used as a

In case of uncontrolled rectifiers, the rectified DC output voltage is dependent on the

Oscilloscope, Setup board, DC regulated Power Supply (0.30V)

Shri G. S. Institute of Technology & Science, Indore

2.4.2 Relaxation Oscillator

SGSITS-Power Electronics Lab |

Shri G. S. Institute of Technology & Science, Indore

VBB+0.5volts as approximately from

0 volts to VBB volts.

SGSITS-Power Electronics Lab |

Shri G. S. Institute of Technology & Science, Indore

Set VBB = 5 volts

2.6 Observation Table

Shri G. S. Institute of Technology & Science, Indore

Shri G. S. Institute of Technology & Science, Indore

magnitude of gate current of either polarity. Due to restricted values of

TRIACs are mainly used for low applications.

Fig.3.1 Symbolic Representation of TRIAC

limitation becomes a critical problem.

Fig.3.2 Symbolic Representation of DIAC

SGSITS-Power Electronics Lab |

Shri G. S. Institute of Technology & Science, Indore

SGSITS-Power Electronics Lab |

Shri G. S. Institute of Technology & Science, Indore

Adjust the delay angle to

Repeat step 2 through 4 for

and record the observation in the

SGSITS-Power Electronics Lab |

Shri G. S. Institute of Technology & Science, Indore

Shri G. S. Institute of Technology & Science, Indore

Shri G. S. Institute of Technology & Science, Indore

SGSITS-Power Electronics Lab |

Shri G. S. Institute of Technology & Science, Indore

Fig. 4.1 Schematic architecture of TCA-785 IC

Single phase half wave rectifier.

Shri G. S. Institute of Technology & Science, Indore

4.4.5 Design of Burst Firing