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Multiple Choice

What are the three terminals of an SCR?

SCRs have three terminals: the anode, the cathode, and the gate. The anode is the positive supply terminal through which current flows into the device, and the cathode is the return path. The gate is a control input that, when driven with a small current, injects carriers into the PNPN structure to start the regenerative switching action. Once triggered, the SCR latches on and continues conducting from anode to cathode even if the gate current stops, until the current falls below the holding level. This combination of three terminals and the latching behavior is what distinguishes SCRs from other devices.

SCRs have three terminals: the anode, the cathode, and the gate. The anode is the positive supply terminal through which current flows into the device, and the cathode is the return path. The gate is a control input that, when driven with a small current, injects carriers into the PNPN structure to start the regenerative switching action. Once triggered, the SCR latches on and continues conducting from anode to cathode even if the gate current stops, until the current falls below the holding level. This combination of three terminals and the latching behavior is what distinguishes SCRs from other devices.