Practical Commutation Circuits
In this tutorial, we will learn about SCR Turn OFF Methods By Practical
Circuits. There are several ways to properly implement the SCR Turn OFF
methods like Natural, Forced. In Forced Commutation, there are again several
sub-categories like Class A, B, C, D, E. We will learn about all these different
methods to properly turn OFF an SCR, different classes of Commutation and
also the Dynamic Turn OFF Characteristics of SCR.
Forced Commutation
In case of DC circuits, there is no natural current zero to turn OFF the SCR. In
such circuits, forward current must be forced to zero with an external circuit
(known as Commutating Circuit) to commutate the SCR. Hence the name,
Forced Commutation.
This commutating circuit consist of components like inductors and capacitors
and they are called Commutating Components. These commutating
components cause to apply a reverse voltage across the SCR that
immediately bring the current in the SCR to zero.
Depending on the process for achieving zero current in the SCR and the
arrangement of the commutating components, Forced Commutation is
classified into different types. They are:
Class A – Self Commutation by Resonating the Load
Class B – Self Commutation by Resonating the Load
Class C – Complementary Commutation
Class D – Auxiliary Commutation
Class E – Pulse Commutation
such as class A, B, C, D, and E. This commutation is mainly used in chopper
and inverter circuits.
Class A Commutation
This is also known as Self Commutation by Resonating the Load or simply the
Resonant Commutation. In this commutation, the source of commutation
voltage is in the load. The commutating components are L and C and the
Capacitor can be connected either in parallel or in series with the load
resistance RL as shown below.
Practical circuit of Series Class A Commutation Circuit
Circuit diagram of Class A Commutation
Class B Commutation
This is also a self commutation circuit in which commutation of SCR is
achieved by a resonating LC Circuit. But the main difference between Class A
and Class B Commutation is that the LC resonant circuit is connected across
the SCR but not in series with the load as in case of Class A Commutation. As
a result, the commutating circuit and the L and C components in it doesn’t
carry the load current.
Practical Circuit of Class B Commutation
Circuit diagram of Class B Commutation
Class C Commutation
In this commutation method, the main SCR (which is to be commutated) is
connected in series with the load and an additional or complementary SCR is
connected in parallel with the main SCR. Hence, this method is also called as
Complementary Commutation.
Practical Circuit of Class C Commutation
Circuit diagram of Class C Commutation
Class D Commutation
This is also called as auxiliary commutation because it uses an auxiliary SCR
to switch the charged capacitor. In this, the main SCR is commutated by the
auxiliary SCR. The main SCR with load resistance forms the power circuit
while the diode D, inductor L and SCR2 forms the commutation circuit.
Practical Circuit of Class D Commutation
Circuit diagram of Class D Commutation
Class E Commutation
This type of Commutation is also known as External Pulse Commutation. In
this, an external pulse source is used to produce the reverse voltage across
the SCR. The circuit below shows the Class E commutation circuit, which
uses a pulse transformer to produce the commutating pulse. The transformer
is designed with tight coupling between the primary and secondary and also
there is a small air gap in the transformer so that it doesn’t get saturated when
the pulse is applied.
Circuit diagram of Class E Commutation
Practical Circuit of Class E Commutation
Create BY AK
