3.2.

4 Latching and Holding Currents

Now let us briefly discuss the two important
currents which flow through the thyristor. These AK
currents are : latching current and the holding
current.
() Latching current ( )
Consider that the thyristor is in forward blocking
Goes ON state
state. Then the thyristor can be turned-on by
VBR
applying a gate drive. Then the thyristor goes into AK
forward conduction mode (ON state). For the

thyristor to remain in the 'ON' state, the anode to

cathode current (lAx) must be greater than latching
Current. ie.,

TAK2lL : to remain in ON state after triggering. Flg. 3.2.7 V characteristics of the thyristor showing latching
current

Fig. 3.2.7 shows 'the VI characteristics of the

thyristor showing latching current.
Observe that latching current is the lowest current which flows through the thyristor to remain in forward
conduction (ON state) after triggering. If the current through the thyristor is less than latching current, then the
thyristor goes back into forward blocking state as soon as gate drive is removed. This is said to be thyristor is
not latched (ie. not turned-on). From the above discussion, the latching current can be defined as follows
Latching current is the minimum forward current that flows through the thyristor to keep it in forward conduction mode
(ie. ON state) at the time of triggering. f forward curent is less than latching current, thyristor does not turn-on.
The latching current is of the order of 10 to 15 milliamperes:
(i)Holding current (H)
Consider that the thyristor is in forward conduction
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state (Le. ON state). The thyristor goes into forward

blocking state when current through it falls below AK

holding current (H) ie, if lAK<I4 thyristor

turms-off. Fig. 3.2.8 shows the V-I characteristics of
the thyristor showing holding current.
Goes to
Observe that the holding current is the lowest OFF
state
current below which thyristor turns-off. In other
words we can say that, for the thyristor to remain in VAK
ON-state, its forward current should not reduce
below holding current. From the
above discussion,
the holding current can be defined as follows:
wwwYYwwww
Holding current is the minimum forward current that
flows through the thyristor to keep it in forwardFIg. 3.2.8 VI characteristics of the thyristor showing holding
current
conduction mode. When forward current reduces below
holding current, thyristor turns-off.
 The holding current of the
thyristors is of the order of 8 to 10 milliamperes.
comparison (difference) between holding and latching currents
The definitions of holding current and latching current appear similar but they are totally different. The
differences are mentioned below
1. Latching current is effective at the time of turning-ON, whereas holding current is effective at the time
of turning-OFF the thyristor.
2. Latchung current is the minimum current that should low at the time of triggering to turn-ON the
thyristor. Whereas once the thyristor is already in ON-state, its current should not reduce
below
holding current otherwise it turns-OFF.
3. Latching current is greater than holding current even though their magnitudes are much related.

amples for understanding www

Eanple 21 The SCR shoun in Fig 3.2.9has the latching cumentof 20 m4

and is fired by the pulse of width 50 usec, Detemine whether the SCR triggers or
ot R 20Q
VTU ERO ug 96 Marks
arks V 100VV
Solution: A step of voltage is applied to the R-L load when SCR turns on.
L0.5H
The current through the RL circuit for step input is given as,

0--
Fig. 3.2.10 shows the gate pulse and current waveform. Here observe that
(3.2.2)
Fig. 3.2.9 Circuit of example 3.2.1

V
the SCR will be latched (triggered) if i) is greater than latching current
when gate triggering pulse is removed after 50 usec. Hence let us calculate
Ccurrent i) through the SCR at 50 usec, 0 50 usec

i( 100 50x10 05= 10 mA i(t) at

50 usec
SCRcurent

Here note that current through the SCR is 10 mA. It is not reached to the
latching current level and trigger pulse is removed at 50usec. Hence the SCR Flg. 3.2.10 After 50 usec, i (t)> I to
trigger the SCR properly (tigered)
will not be triggered.
Example 3.2.2 A SCR is connected in series tuith a 0.5 H inductor and 20 2 resistance A 100 V DC oltage is applied to this
circuit. the latching curent of the SCRis 4mA, find the minimum width of the gate trigger pulse required to properly turn-on
the SCR VIUR&CFeb 95, Mark E&ER Dec10,12: June-16, Marks 4
******** * * **
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Solution: Fig. 3.2.11 shows the circuit diagram.

w [Link] eawua wwmm

4mA (Given). The current through the RL

Latching current, IL =

circuit is given by equation 3.2.2 as,

R 20
V, 100 V
L 0.5 H
n the above equation when (t) is equal to latching current, SCR
furns on. Hence with it) = IL, above equation becomes,

Fig. 3.2.11 Circult of example 3.2.2

Now we have to determine the time't in above equation. Putting other values,
100
4x103 = 1-
20

Solving above equation for t, t 20 usec

Thus the width of the gate trigger pulse must be 20 u sec to turm-on the SCR.
3.6.5 Diac
The diac is the two terminal and four
layer device. It is
mainly used for triggering triacs. Fig. 3.6.10 (a) shows
the symbols of diac. The symbol shown in
Fig. 3.6.10 (b) VA
has arrows in both the directions. This means it conducts
in either directions. The terminals are not named. It can
be used in any direction. It is low
power triggering (a) (b)
device. There is no control terminal on the diac.

Fig. 3.6.10 Two different symbols used for diac

[Link] VA Characteristics of Dlac

Fig 3.6.11 shows the V-I

characteristics of diac. The current
through the diac is plotted with

respect voltage across it. The diac

to

remains off till voltage is less than

tVBO. When voltage exceeds VBO
Veo
diac turns 'on' and conducts heavily.
Observe that the characteristicis Diac tums on
at this votage
exactly similar for positive as well as
negative values of voltage and
current. Once the diac turns on, the
voltage across it drops to negligible
value. Fig. 3.6.11 VA characteristic of diac

Serles and Parallel Operatlon of Thyristors VTUAug L1 Feb.06 07, July 18 Decik 15,16
Parallel Connection
Necessity of Serles and
Series connection of the devices
80 A
18 often required to increase the
For 40 A 40 A
overall voltage rating.
to be
example the thyristor is 600 V -600V
-1200 V -
operated at 1000 volts. But we

have thyristors of rating

600 volts. Then the circuit can

be implemented by connecting (a) Serles connectlon (b) Parallel connection

two thyristors in series. vrenuertmamnroeredr*eerrevwesvs#[Link]*wwwwwwwww

Fig. 3.7.1 Series and parallel operations

 Similarly parallel connection is used to increase current ratings. For example, current in the circuit is 80 A. But
we have a thyristor of rating 50 A. Then the problem can be solved by connecting two thyristors in parallel as

shown in Fig. 3.7.1 (b). This makes the current sharing among two thyristors and each one carries 80 40 A.

Thus series and parallel connections are most widely used to cater the need of higher voltage and currents.

3.7.2 Series Connection of Thyristors

3.7 2.1 Problems Encountered in Series Connection
When the thyristors are connected. in *** ************
[Link] Awowm.

series, they have small differences in their AK

ratings. For. example ig. 3.7.2 shows the

V-I characteristics of two thyristors of
same ratings. Observe that there are
Difference in
minor differences between the forward break over
characteristics. Forward break-over voltage

voltages, internal resistance, leakage

current etc are not exactly same. The
-VAK
thyristor with highest internal resistance
will have
minimum leakage current.
Hence high voltage will appear across it
in off state. This creates
voltage
imbalance in the series connection. Hence [Link] we
***wwAAA w
Fig. 3.7.2 Two thyristors of same rating have slightly different
equalization is necessary in the series
characteristics
connection.
[Link] Equallzing Components
Let us consider that 'n' number
of thyristors are connected in *****YNe [Link]

series. An equalizing resistance V

R' is connected across each
thyristor as shown in Fig. 3.7.3.
Let us assume that T has
maximum internal resistance in
-IR.
off state. Hence its leakage I2R
current ID is minimum. Let the ww www-
R 2 R
internal resistance of other [Link]**www *wwnwwwwww.e***a
R
A*n vwwwwwwwmvww mmywwe
devices is same. Hence their ******wwwwwww.****wwa

current is also same, i.e. Flg. 3.7.3 Static

equalization circult
leakage
TCurrent I, flows through R. Since other
thyristors have same internal resistance,
parallel resistors will be same, 1e. l2: From above circuit we can
current through their
write,

I2 h-1p -ID2 h-Alp =

(3.7.1)
AT is the difference in leakage currents of two thyristors.
across T Ty... T is same, ie. 1,R. Therefore we can write, Voltage across T, is Vp =
I, R and voltage
Vs =
1R+1hR(n-1) =
VD +(n-1)I2 R
 Putting for L4 from equation 3.7.1,

Vs VD +(n-1)(1-Alp) R =Vpu +nlh R-nalp R-h R+Alp K

VD tnVD-VD-(n-1)AlpR nVD -(n-1)alpR =

V V +(n-1)AIDR
(3.7.2)

Maximum value ot VD Will ocCur when Alp is maximum. Value of R can be obtained from above equation as,

R
R nVD-Vs
n-1)Alp .(3.7.3)

[Link] Dynamic Equalization Circult

We studied the equalization when all eoswwwwwwwwwwww*w*wwwwev**"""TT
ewww

thyristors are in forward blocking

state. There can be some difference in
the turn-on and turn-off times of the
C R C R R
thyristors. When trigger is given to H ww ww
all the thyristors, they start
turning-on. Higher voltage will
appear across the thyristor which www www ww
R R R
turns-on late. Hence its maximum ********* ***********************************ibnasneeordsepsa**sr****** *sss#*sanadr d*******************************************************************************

voltage rating may be exceeded. This Fig. 3.7.4 Complete equalizatlon circult
problem can be overcome by
dynamic equalizing circuit. Fig. 3.7.4 shows the dynamic equalizing circuit. It is R-C circuit across each
thyristor.
Static equalization resistors are also shown in this circuit. An R-C circuit is placed across each thyristor. C
provides the equalization during turm-on and turn-off. Resistance R1 is used to limit discharge current of C.
Value of C
We know that the relationship between charge on the capacitor, voltage on the capacitor and value ci he
capacitor is,
v -
IfV is AV, then, AV

Consider equation 3.7,2, V,+(1-1)AlpR

VDI
f AQ indicates the difference in charge stored in C and C2, then AV will indicate the voltage difference acrass

i and T2. Hence we have AV =

Alp R. Therefore above equation becomes,
VD V+n-1)AV

V V+(n-1)AQ/G . (3.7.4)
Since AV VD
1s equation gives
This the voltage imbalance across . Value of C1 can be obtained as,

(n-1AQ
(3.7.5)
wwwcvas**********
Power Electronics 3- 28 Thyrlstorn

Derating factor of the strlng

The derating factor (D) indicates the amount by which string is derated. It is given by

%D 1 100 .(3.7.6

String efficiency n)
the amount by which the string is utilized. It is given as,
String efficiency indicates
%n = (1-D)x100 (3.7.7)

Vgx100D
nVD
. (3.78)

Examples for Understanding

Bxamplo 3:7.1, How manty SCRs are required in a series string to twithistand a DC ooltage of 3500 olis in standy state f the
SCRS have steady state voltage rating of 1000 Vand steady state derating factor of 30% 7 Assuming maximum diference in
leakage current 9f SCRs to be 10 mA, calculate the value of voltage sharing resistances to be used. Draw the circuit showing the
SCRs and the voltage sharing resistances.
0s*********
VTUKADg01 Marks 6
Solution: Given data: Vs = 3500 V, VD = 1000 V, % D 30, Alp = 10 mA

i) To obtain number of SCRs

By equation 3.7.6 we have, % D =

|1-nV x 100

30
3500
nx1000* 100

n = 5

i) To obtain voltage sharing resistance

By equation 3.7.3 such resistance is given as,

R nVp-Vs5x1000-35U037.5
(n-1)Al 4x10x10
kM
The circuit will be similar to Fig. 3.7.3 having 5 SCRs in series and each resistance of 37.5 k2.
3.8 and
at dt
Protection
VTU June-10, July-11, E&CAug 9696, 97, Feb.96. 97, 09.
E Oct 98 Aug 05. 06 April.99
I n the power controllers, there is a chance of exceeding some rating of the device. The device and the complete
controller may be damaged when such ratings exceeded. Such fault conditions
are be avoided by
can
protecting the devices against exceeding the ratings. The current, voltage etc are regularly monitored and the
device is protected by some means such as fast acting fuse, snubber, disabling the gate drives etc.

3.8.1 Snubber for Protection Agalnstand

dt
Over Voltages

The transient over voltages switch the

can onthyristor. In some cases the thyristor can be damaged due to
these transient voltages. These transient voltages are
very common when the converter is having inductive
loads. The thyristors can be protected against transient
voltages by a RC network as showm in Fig. 3.8.1.
This RC network is connected in parallel across
the thyristor. It is called snubber circuit. The
resistance has the value of few hundred ohms.
wwV *****"***

Whenever there is a large spike or voltage

transient across the thyristor, it is absorbed by the
RC circuit. The RC circuit (snubber) acts as a
lowpass filter for this voltage transient. The
resistance has normally low value so that the
transient is absorbed by the capacitor quickly.
Thus the thyristor is protected against voltage ad+* v Pi4dai***************d*********************

transients. The RC Snubber circuit 1 very Fia. 3.8.1 A snubber (RC) network is used for transient voltage protecoon

commonly used for protection of thyristors against ***************s************4a******************* ***************""************************

transient voltages (high frequency voltage spikes).

do
dt
also generates large voltage transients. These
rapid voltage variations can also be suppressed by
snubber circuit. The capacitor acts as a short for
do made
these variations. The snubber can be
more effective by connecting a diode across the ****** **************4**************************sA******************

resistance as shown in Fig. 3.8.2.

Flg. 3.8.2 Snubber is used for protection
dt
In of voltage
case transient, the current flows
acts as
through diode and capacitor. The capacitor
Thus it is suppressed. When thyristor turns-on, the capacitor discharges
a short for the voltage transient.
used because it is very effective for
R. The R, C and diode
snubber is more commonly
through esistance
and other voltage transients.

Design of snubber
2

1 0.564 Vn . (3.8.1)
The value of capacitor is given as,
C 2 df
do dv
voltage is the permissible
H
iere V is the peak value ofsupply

Lis the source inductance.

(3.8.2)
R = 20 vc
And resistance is given as,
taken as 0.65.
factor. It's value
is normally
lere a is the damping
3.8.3 dt
dProtection
.We know that at the time of turn-on, anode current increases rapidly. This rapid
variation of anode current doesnot spread across the junction area of the L
O000-
thyristor. This creates the local hot-spots in the junction and increases the
junction temperature. If the junction temperature exceeds permissible value, then
the thyristor is damaged. The rapid variations of the thyristor current are also
called Every thyristor has maximum permissible value of
di
The thyristor can be protected from excessive by using an inductor in series
Fig. 3.8.4 An inductance in series
as shown in Fig. 3.8.4. The inductance opposes for rapid current variations with the thyristor provides
dt protection against
Whenever there is rapid current variation, the inductor smooths it and protects
the thyristor from damage.
The value of inductance can be calculated as,
L .(3.8.3)
dt
Here di is the maximum value and L is the series inductance including stray inductance.
dt
Eample 3.6.0 Design the values of inductor and RC sribber components foran SCR working in a 230 V system Cioen
ratingis90 A/ usanaratingis200V/us Effective series Tresistance is 1.5a Take damping factor is as 0.6.
TuERCAug-97 Marks 8
Solution: The given data is,
Maximum voltage, V, = 230 V

= 90 A/s

ao 200 A/S
dt

Series resistance Rs = 1.5

Damping factor o = 0.6

The circuit diagram will look like the one shown below
di
Let us calculate value of inductance for protection. From equation 3.8.3 it is given as,

L2 V 230 = 2.556x10-6 H
di 90x10

. L = 2.556x10r H = 2.556 uH

Since there is no stray inductance given, this value of inductance must be connected for protection.
 Now the value of capacitance C can be calculated from equation 3.8.1 as,

c 2 0.564
Putting value in above equation, 1 0.564
C2x2.556x106L x230=0.08229
200x10. uF
In Fig. 3.8.7 observe that the resistance R, and snubber resistance R .4isfteovs*ierto isseu*****o#**div***t seeve*i**s*****************************************ta swwes

are in series. These two resistors affect the charging rate of snubber R 1.5 QQ L

capacitor. Hence, equation 3.8.2. must be written as,

(R+R) 20
Putting values in above equation,

2.556 x10-
(1.5 R)
2x0.0.08229 x10 waammmnowowrnaanwwwwwwww

Fig. 3.8.7 Circuit of example 3.8.6

R 5.18 2
Thus the snubber components are,
R 5.18 Q C= 0.08229 uF and L = 2.556 uH

Examplo 3.37 A SCRcircuit operates from 300 VDCsupplyhas series inductance of 4uH A resistarnce of 4 and capacitam
of 0.2 Fiscomnected across the SCR. Calculate the safe mdraings ofSCR
VTUE&Eaug 6 Mark o Dece6,Marks4
Solution: Here the given data is,
Vm 300 V
L 4 H
R = 4 2

C 0.2 uF
The value of series inductance for protection is given by equation 3.8.3 as,

L2
dt
Here V =Vn=300 and L = 4 uH. Hence above equation becomes,

300
4 uH 2
di
d
di 300 = 75 A/us
d 4x10
The value of snubber capacitor is given by equation 3.8.1 as,

Cc 2
1 0.564V
Putting values in above equation,

0.2x106 = 1 0.564x 300

2x4x10-6 do
dt

do
dt
133.76 V/us