Q2Power Electronics
Question
4 marks
Discuss the R and RC triggering method for a thyristor.
Answer
R-triggering uses a resistor to limit gate current and provides crude firing angle control (α: 0-90°); RC-triggering adds a capacitor for phase shift, extending control to nearly 180°.
- Firing angle range: 0 to 90° (only in the positive half cycle).
- Simple and low-cost but limited range.
- The firing angle depends on R: larger R gives larger α.
- By varying R, the phase angle of VC is changed, shifting the firing point.
- Range: 0 to nearly 180° of firing angle control.
- More reliable than R-only triggering for inductive loads.