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Thyristor Testing Using Vom: Assignment No. 2

This document describes how to test thyristors, diacs, and triacs using a multimeter. The key steps are: 1. Test thyristors by connecting the anode to the positive multimeter lead and cathode to negative. It should read an open circuit. Triggering the gate should then allow current to flow. 2. Test diacs by measuring resistance between leads with the multimeter. They should read the same in both directions. 3. Test triacs by measuring resistance between MT1/MT2 with and without the gate triggered. Triggering the gate should allow current to flow in one direction only.

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Noriel Domdom
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210 views6 pages

Thyristor Testing Using Vom: Assignment No. 2

This document describes how to test thyristors, diacs, and triacs using a multimeter. The key steps are: 1. Test thyristors by connecting the anode to the positive multimeter lead and cathode to negative. It should read an open circuit. Triggering the gate should then allow current to flow. 2. Test diacs by measuring resistance between leads with the multimeter. They should read the same in both directions. 3. Test triacs by measuring resistance between MT1/MT2 with and without the gate triggered. Triggering the gate should allow current to flow in one direction only.

Uploaded by

Noriel Domdom
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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ASSIGNMENT NO.

TITLE

THYRISTOR TESTING
USING VOM

STUDENT: PROF:

DOMDOM, NORIEL O. ENGR. SANTOS, NORLAN

SUBJECT: IELEC LAB DAY/TIME: TTH/ 06:00P- 07:30P

What Does a Thyristor Do?


Thyristors are bistable switches, meaning that they have only two possible states - on or
off (0 or 1). These remain stable even when the device is powered down. They will continue to
allow current to flow through them until it drops to zero or when the current ends or changes
direction. Controlled rectifiers are high gain devices, meaning that the current present at the
control gate can control a much higher level of current between the anode and cathode. As a
result, they are classed as current operated equipment.

How Does a Thyristor Work?


They typically have three leads or electrodes. These are called the anode, the cathode
and the gate. The first is the positive terminal and the second the negative one, while the gate
controls the main anode-to-cathode current, triggering this via an external pulse. Some models
feature two or four electrodes. Within a typical SCR, there are two alternating layers of N-type
(negative) semiconductor and P-type (positive) semiconductor. The four-layered silicon in each
is electrically treated to increase the number of either negative or positive charge-carrying
electrons. They are also known as NPN and PNP semiconductors, referring to the pattern of
positive and negative electrons in each. If no current is flowing into the device via the gate, it
will rest in an off state, with the central junction (of three) reversed, opposite to the anode and
cathode, so current cannot pass through whatever the direction of the device.

For current to flow as required, the anode must be positive, and the cathode must be
negative. Once the gate current launches, positive and negative charge flows into the four
layers of silicon, activating each in turn as it moves from one layer of the semiconductor to
the next through the device.

How to Check a Thyristor


As with any electrical device, it is necessary to check thyristors from time to time to
ensure they are working correctly. The easiest way to do so is to use a multimeter.

How to Test a Thyristor

Multimeters are industry-standard electrical testing devices, able to measure voltage,


current, and the strength of electrical resistors.

Here is how to test a silicon-controlled rectifier using a multimeter:

➢ Connect the anode (entry terminal) on the thyristor to the positive (red) lead on the
multimeter. Connect the cathode (exit terminal) to the negative (black) lead. Switch the
meter to diode test mode - the diode (two-terminal component) in this case being the
thyristor itself. Assess
➢ Set the multimeter to high resistance mode. It should show an open circuit. Then
reverse the position of the leads and the device should still show an open circuit
➢ Return the leads to their original positions, this time adding the gate terminal to the
positive lead. The multimeter should show a low level of electrical resistance. This
indicates that the SCR is in the on position, and this should continue once the gate
terminal is disconnected
➢ If the multimeter passes the above checks, it is working correctly.

Testing SCR using a multimeter.


A multimeter can be used to test SCRs quite effectively. The first procedure is to check
the diode action between the gate and cathode terminals of the SCR. This test is just like what
you have done in the case of testing a silicon diode (see testing a silicon diode). Now put the
multimeter selector switch in a high resistance position. Connect the positive lead of multimeter
to the anode of SCR and negative lead to the cathode. The multimeter will show an open
circuit. Now reverse the connections and the multimeter will again show an open circuit.

SCR Testing
An oscilloscope is needed to properly test an SCR under operating conditions. Arough
test using a test circuit can be made using a Digital Multimeter (DMM). To test an

SCR using a DMM, the following procedure is applied:

• Set the Digital Multimeter on the Ω scale.

• Connect the negative lead of the Digital Multimeter to the cathode.

• Connect the positive lead of the Digital Multimeter to the anode. The Digital Multimeter
should read infinity.

• Short-circuit the gate to the anode using a jumper wire. The Digital Multimeter should
read almost 0 Ω. Remove the jumper wire. The low resistance reading should remain.

• Reverse the Digital Multimeter leads so that the positive lead is on the cathode and the
negative lead is on the anode. The Digital Multimeter should read almost infinity.
• Short-circuit the gate to the anode using a jumper wire. The resistance on the Digital
Multimeter should remain high.

DIAC Testing
A rough test using a test circuit can be made on an SCR using a DMM. DIACs Testing.

A digital multimeter (DMM) may be used to test a diac for a short circuit. See Figure 4.
To test a DIAC for a short circuit, the following procedure is applied:

• Set the DMM on the Ω scale.

• Connect the DMM leads to the leads of the DIAC and record the resistance reading.

• Reverse the DMM leads and record the resistance reading.

TRIAC Testing

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.

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