scr (silicon-controlled rectifier) foundations of technology scr (silicon-controlled rectifier) ©...

Foundations of Technology

SCRSCR(Silicon-Controlled Rectifier)(Silicon-Controlled Rectifier)

© 2013 International Technology and Engineering Educators Association, STEMCenter for Teaching and Learning™ Foundations of Technology

Teacher Resource Unit 4 Lesson 4

Objectives:1. You will build a simple circuit to show

that an SCR conducts only after a positive pulse is applied to its gate.

2. You will be able to observe an LED will light until the power is removed from the anode or cathode of the SCR.

Gate

Anode

Cathode

You will need the following parts from your kit:1. Breadboard

2. 220 ohms resistor (red, red, brown, gold)

3. 1000 ohms resistor (brown, black, red, gold)

4. SCR

5. LED (light emitting diode)

6. 9 volt battery lead

7. 3 wires

8. 9 volt battery

Use this schematic to construct the experiment.

an

od

eca

tho

de

220 Ohms

+

-9 volts

Quick Check:

Your circuit should like this one.

1K Ohms

gate

Gate

Anode

Cathode

Beveled Edge front

This circuit will light the LED after a pulse to the gate.

1. The SCR acts like a switch.

2. When a positive pulse is applied to the gate, it allows current to flow through the rest of the circuit.

3. An SCR is very sensitive to a lot of electrical energy, we use a 1000 ohm resistor to protect the SCR from burning out.

4. An SCR is used in computers and an alarm systems.

1. Connect the 9 volt battery.

2. Observe the brightness of the LED.

3. Briefly touch the “loose” wire to the gate.

4. Observe the brightness of the LED.

Troubleshooting:

1. If the LED does not light up, check to make sure it is in correctly.

2. Check the battery. Does it have voltage?

3. Are there any breaks in the circuit?

4. Are you touching the “gate”?

By completing this experiment, you should have noticed that current will flow through the SCR only

after you put a positive pulse to the gate.

In complete sentences, write what you learned about an SCR in a circuit.