Essential MCQs On Silicon Controlled Rectifier (SCR)
Explore the world of Silicon Controlled Rectifiers (SCR) with essential Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs). Master essential concepts, characteristics, and applications of SCR through this comprehensive set of questions and answers.
Elevate your knowledge and proficiency with these essential MCQs on Silicon Controlled Rectifiers.
The Silicon Controlled Rectifier (SCR) is a ____ device.
A. Unidirectional
B. Bidirectional
C. Tridirectional
D. Multidirectional
Answer: A
Explanation: The SCR is a unidirectional device. It can control power flow in one direction only.
Which terminal of an SCR is used to control its conduction?
A. Anode
B. Cathode
C. Gate
D. Drain
Answer: C
Explanation: The gate terminal of the SCR is used to control its conduction.
In an SCR, the ‘holding current’ refers to _____.
A. The maximum current an SCR can withstand
B. The minimum current needed to keep the SCR in the ON state
C. The current flowing through the gate terminal
D. The current flowing through the anode terminal
Answer: B
Explanation: The holding current is the minimum current that must flow through the SCR to keep it in the ‘ON’ state.
What is the purpose of the gate in an SCR?
A. To control the flow of current
B. To initiate conduction
C. Both A and B
D. None of the above
Answer: C
Explanation: The gate in an SCR is used to control the flow of current and to initiate conduction.
When an SCR is in forward blocking mode, the junctions J1 and J3 are _____.
A. Forward biased
B. Reverse biased
C. Neither forward nor reverse biased
D. Both forward and reverse biased
Answer: B
Explanation: In the forward blocking mode, the junctions J1 and J3 are reverse biased, which prevents the flow of current.
The “latching current” in an SCR refers to ____.
A. The current at which the device turns off
B. The current at which the device turns on
C. The maximum current that the device can handle
D. The minimum current that the device can handle
Answer: B
Explanation: The latching current is the minimum current that should flow through the SCR at the time of turning it on.
The operation of an SCR can be controlled by which of the following methods?
A. Varying the anode-cathode voltage
B. Varying the gate current
C. Both A and B
D. None of the above
Answer: C
Explanation: The operation of an SCR can be controlled by varying the anode-cathode voltage and the gate current.
In an SCR, the ‘avalanche breakdown’ refers to _____.
A. The failure of the device due to excessive voltage
B. The failure of the device due to excessive current
C. The process of turning on the device
D. The process of turning off the device
Answer: A
Explanation: Avalanche breakdown in an SCR refers to the failure of the device due to excessive voltage.
An SCR is a ______ controlled device.
A. Voltage
B. Current
C. Both A and B
D. None of the above
Answer: B
Explanation: An SCR is a current-controlled device. Its operation is controlled by the current supplied to its gate terminal.
The forward blocking voltage of an SCR is ______.
A. The minimum voltage required to turn on the device
B. The maximum voltage that the device can handle in the forward direction without conducting
C. The voltage across the device when it is in the ON state
D. The voltage across the device when it is in the OFF state
Answer: B
Explanation: The forward blocking voltage is the maximum voltage that an SCR can withstand in the forward direction without turning on or conducting.
Which of the following is a common application of SCRs?
A. Voltage regulation
B. Speed control in electric motors
C. Both A and B
D. None of the above
Answer: C
Explanation: SCRs are used in a variety of applications including voltage regulation and speed control in electric motors.
The three terminals of an SCR are called __.
A. Source, Drain, and Gate
B. Emitter, Base, and Collector
C. Anode, Cathode, and Gate
D. Positive, Negative, and Neutral
Answer: C
Explanation: An SCR has three terminals: Anode, Cathode, and Gate.
In an SCR, the anode is always _____ with respect to the cathode.
A. Positive
B. Negative
C. Neutral
D. Ground
Answer: A
Explanation: In an SCR, the anode is always positive with respect to the cathode.
The reverse blocking mode of an SCR is when _____.
A. The anode is positive and the cathode is negative
B. The anode is negative and the cathode is positive
C. The anode and cathode are at the same potential
D. None of the above
Answer: B
Explanation: The reverse blocking mode of an SCR is when the anode is negative with respect to the cathode.
What happens to an SCR when the gate current exceeds the latching current?
A. The SCR turns off
B. The SCR turns on
C. The SCR gets damaged
D. No change in the state of the SCR
Answer: B
Explanation: When the gate current exceeds the latching current, the SCR turns on.
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of an SCR?
A. It has three terminals
B. It is a bidirectional device
C. It is a current-controlled device
D. It can handle high power and voltage
Answer: B
Explanation: An SCR is not a bidirectional device; it is a unidirectional device that controls current flow in one direction only.
In an SCR, the junctions J1 and J2 are ____ in the forward conduction mode.
A. Forward biased
B. Reverse biased
C. Neither forward nor reverse biased
D. Both forward and reverse biased
Answer: A
Explanation: In the forward conduction mode, the junctions J1 and J2 are forward biased, which allows the flow of current.
An SCR behaves like a _______ when it is in the ‘ON’ state.
A. Closed switch
B. Open switch
C. Capacitor
D. Resistor
Answer: A
Explanation: When an SCR is in the ‘ON’ state, it behaves like a closed switch, allowing current to flow through it.
The V-I characteristic of an SCR resembles that of a ______.
A. Resistor
B. Capacitor
C. Diode
D. Transistor
Answer: C
Explanation: The voltage-current (V-I) characteristic of an SCR resembles that of a diode due to its unidirectional conduction property.
Which of the following is true about an SCR?
A. It has a high input impedance
B. It has a low input impedance
C. Its impedance depends on the gate current
D. None of the above
Answer: A
Explanation: An SCR has a high input impedance, which means it offers high resistance to the flow of current into its input (gate).
In which mode of operation does the SCR allow current flow in the reverse direction?
A. Forward blocking mode
B. Reverse blocking mode
C. Forward conduction mode
D. Reverse conduction mode
Answer: D
Explanation: In the reverse conduction mode, the SCR allows current to flow in the reverse direction.
Which type of device is the Silicon Controlled Rectifier (SCR)?
A. Thyristor
B. Diode
C. Transistor
D. Resistor
Answer: A
Explanation: An SCR is a type of thyristor, a four-layer, three-terminal semiconductor device.
When an SCR is in the ‘OFF’ state, it acts like a __.
A. Closed switch
B. Open switch
C. Capacitor
D. Resistor
Answer: B
Explanation: When an SCR is in the ‘OFF’ state, it acts like an open switch, not allowing current to flow through it.
The Peak Inverse Voltage (PIV) of an SCR is defined as ___.
A. The maximum voltage it can handle in the forward direction
B. The maximum voltage it can handle in the reverse direction
C. The voltage at which the SCR turns on
D. The voltage at which the SCR turns off
Answer: B
Explanation: The Peak Inverse Voltage (PIV) of an SCR is the maximum voltage it can withstand in the reverse direction without conducting.
The term ‘commutation’ in an SCR refers to __.
A. The process of turning on the device
B. The process of turning off the device
C. The process of regulating the gate current
D. The process of regulating the anode-cathode voltage
Answer: B
Explanation: In the context of an SCR, commutation refers to the process of turning off the device.
An SCR can be turned off by _____.
A. Reducing the anode current below the holding current
B. Reversing the polarity of the anode and cathode
C. Increasing the gate current
D. Both A and B
Answer: D
Explanation: An SCR can be turned off either by reducing the anode current below the holding current or by reversing the polarity of the anode and cathode.
The power handling capability of an SCR is _ than that of a conventional transistor.
A. Less
B. More
C. Equal
D. Not comparable
Answer: B
Explanation: The power handling capability of an SCR is more than that of a conventional transistor. This makes SCRs suitable for high-power applications.
SCRs are widely used in AC power control because they can ____.
A. Handle high currents and voltages
B. Turn on and off quickly
C. Be controlled by a small gate current
D. All of the above
Answer: D
Explanation: SCRs are widely used in AC power control due to their ability to handle high currents and voltages, turn on and off quickly, and be controlled by a small gate current.
Which of the following materials is commonly used to manufacture SCRs?
A. Silicon
B. Germanium
C. Gallium Arsenide
D. Indium Phosphide
Answer: A
Explanation: Silicon is commonly used to manufacture SCRs due to its superior temperature characteristics and high voltage capability.
In an SCR, the gate current should be _.
A. As large as possible
B. As small as possible
C. Equal to the anode current
D. Equal to the cathode current
Answer: B
Explanation: The gate current should be as small as possible to ensure efficient operation of the SCR.
The SCR is a _______-layer device.
A. Two
B. Three
C. Four
D. Five
Answer: C
Explanation: The SCR is a four-layer device with alternating p-type and n-type semiconductor materials.
The term ‘turn-on time’ in an SCR refers to ______.
A. The time it takes for the device to switch from the ‘ON’ state to the ‘OFF’ state
B. The time it takes for the device to switch from the ‘OFF’ state to the ‘ON’ state
C. The time it takes for the gate current to reach its maximum value
D. The time it takes for the anode-cathode voltage to reach its maximum value
Answer: B
Explanation: The turn-on time in an SCR refers to the time it takes for the device to switch from the ‘OFF’ state to the ‘ON’ state.
In an SCR, the junctions J1, J2, and J3 are made up of ______.
A. Two p-type and one n-type semiconductor layers
B. Two n-type and one p-type semiconductor layers
C. Three p-type semiconductor layers
D. Three n-type semiconductor layers
Answer: A
Explanation: The junctions in an SCR are formed by alternating p-type and n-type semiconductor layers. J1, J2, and J3 are made up of two p-type and one n-type layers.
The ‘turn-off time’ of an SCR is the time taken to _____.
A. Switch from the ‘ON’ state to the ‘OFF’ state
B. Switch from the ‘OFF’ state to the ‘ON’ state
C. Reach the peak anode current from zero
D. Reach the peak gate current from zero
Answer: A
Explanation: The ‘turn-off time’ of an SCR is the time it takes for the device to switch from the ‘ON’ state to the ‘OFF’ state.
The ‘reverse recovery time’ of an SCR is the time taken to _____.
A. Turn off the device when a reverse voltage is applied
B. Turn on the device when a reverse voltage is applied
C. Reach the peak reverse current from zero
D. Reach zero current from the peak reverse current
Answer: D
Explanation: The ‘reverse recovery time’ of an SCR is the time it takes for the current to reach zero from the peak reverse current when a reverse voltage is applied.
The SCR can be protected from overvoltage by connecting a _____ across it.
A. Resistor
B. Capacitor
C. Diode
D. Transistor
Answer: C
Explanation: A diode, often in the form of a Metal Oxide Varistor (MOV) or a Zener diode, can be connected across the SCR to protect it from overvoltage conditions.
An SCR can be used in which of the following applications?
A. Power control in AC systems
B. Switching in power electronics
C. Motor speed control
D. All of the above
Answer: D
Explanation: Due to its high power handling capability and ability to be controlled by a small gate current, an SCR can be used in a variety of applications including power control in AC systems, switching in power electronics, and motor speed control.
The SCR is a ______ device.
A. Passive
B. Active
C. Neither active nor passive
D. Both active and passive
Answer: B
Explanation: The SCR is an active device because it can control the flow of current and can amplify signals.
The gate terminal in an SCR is used to _____.
A. Turn on the device
B. Turn off the device
C. Both turn on and turn off the device
D. None of the above
Answer: A
Explanation: The gate terminal in an SCR is used to turn on the device by applying a small current.
In an SCR, the voltage at which it switches from the ‘OFF’ state to the ‘ON’ state is called the ______.
A. Breakover voltage
B. Peak inverse voltage
C. Forward blocking voltage
D. Reverse blocking voltage
Answer: A.
Explanation: The breakover voltage in an SCR is the voltage at which it switches from the ‘OFF’ state to the ‘ON’ state without gate current.
The layer that is closest to the gate terminal in an SCR is ____.
A. N1 layer
B. P1 layer
C. N2 layer
D. P2 layer
Answer: B
Explanation: In an SCR, the layer that is closest to the gate terminal is the P1 layer, which is also the innermost p-type layer.
In an SCR, the minimum current that must be applied to the gate to turn on the device is called ______.
A. Latching current
B. Holding current
C. Gate current
D. Anode current
Answer: A
Explanation: The latching current in an SCR is the minimum current that must be applied to the gate to turn the device on.
In an SCR, the ‘holding current’ refers to _____.
A. The minimum anode current required to keep the device in the ‘ON’ state
B. The maximum anode current that the device can handle in the ‘ON’ state
C. The current through the gate when the device is in the ‘ON’ state
D. The current through the anode when the device is in the ‘OFF’ state
Answer: A
Explanation: The holding current in an SCR is the minimum anode current required to keep the device in the ‘ON’ state.
Which of the following can cause an SCR to fail?
A. Excessive gate current
B. Overheating
C. Overvoltage
D. All of the above
Answer: D
Explanation: Excessive gate current, overheating, and overvoltage can all potentially cause an SCR to fail.
The gate-cathode junction in an SCR is a _____ junction.
A. PN junction
B. NP junction
C. Neither PN nor NP junction
D. Both PN and NP junction
Answer: A
Explanation: The gate-cathode junction in an SCR is a PN junction formed by the P1 and N1 layers.
The _____ is a three-terminal device similar to an SCR but is bidirectional.
A. Diac
B. Triac
C. Transistor
D. Diode
Answer: B
Explanation: A Triac is a three-terminal device similar to an SCR but is capable of conducting in both the forward and reverse directions.
What is the typical value of the gate trigger voltage for an SCR?
A. Less than 1V
B. Between 1V and 3V
C. Between 3V and 6V
D. More than 6V
Answer: C
Explanation: The typical value of the gate trigger voltage for an SCR, the voltage necessary to turn on the device, is between 3V and 6V.
In an SCR, which layer is the thickest?
A. P1 layer
B. N1 layer
C. P2 layer
D. N2 layer
Answer: D
Explanation: In an SCR, the N2 layer is the thickest. This layer helps in blocking the reverse voltage.
An SCR is a _____ controlled device.
A. Voltage
B. Current
C. Both voltage and current
D. Neither voltage nor current
Answer: B
Explanation: An SCR is a current-controlled device as it is turned on by a gate current.
In an SCR, the ______ region is where most of the voltage drop occurs when the device is in the ‘ON’ state.
A. N1
B. P1
C. N2
D. P2
Answer: C
Explanation: In an SCR, most of the voltage drop occurs in the N2 region when the device is in the ‘ON’ state because it is the thickest layer.
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