On-state voltage behavior of a conducting thyristor When a thyristor is conducting (on-state), how does the anode–cathode voltage drop vary with increasing load current?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: It increases slightly with increasing current (due to on-state slope resistance)

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Designers often approximate a conducting thyristor as a small fixed drop (like a diode). In reality, the on-state voltage has a fixed component plus a component proportional to current, described by the device’s on-state dynamic resistance.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Thyristor is fully turned on and remains in conduction region.
  • Temperature and device type affect exact values but not the trend.



Concept / Approach:
The on-state characteristic of an SCR can be modeled as V_on ≈ V_T0 + r_on * I, where V_T0 is the threshold-like component and r_on is the slope (dynamic) resistance. As current rises, the r_on * I term increases the total drop slightly.



Step-by-Step Solution:
Assume V_on = V_T0 + r_on * I.For higher I, the r_on * I term grows.Therefore, V_on shows a slight upward trend with current.



Verification / Alternative check:
Manufacturer V–I curves confirm a non-zero slope in the conduction region; tabulated on-state voltage is typically specified at a rated current (for example, 1.6 V at I_T).



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Absolutely constant ignores dynamic resistance.
  • Decreasing voltage with more current contradicts observed characteristics.
  • “None of the above” is invalid because (c) is standard behavior.



Common Pitfalls:

  • Using a pure constant-drop model in loss calculations underestimates conduction losses at high current.



Final Answer:
It increases slightly with increasing current (due to on-state slope resistance)


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