Industrial electronics
Guess first
Can you switch off an SCR with its gate?
Most students get this SCR question wrong. Guess first.
Quick check · tap an answer to continue
Lesson notes
Key points
- Once an SCR latches on, the gate loses control, so removing gate current does nothing to stop conduction.
- It only turns off when anode current falls below the holding current, by natural or forced commutation.
Definitions
- Latching
- After triggering, an SCR stays on without gate current as long as anode current exceeds the latching level.
Takeaway: SCR off means anode current below holding current.
Quick check: An SCR is conducting. You remove the gate signal. What happens?
- It turns off instantly
- It turns off slowly
- It keeps conducting
Gate turns an SCR on; only dropping below holding current turns it off.
LatchingHolding current
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