Op-Amps, Thyristors, and Industrial Automation

• The notes cover applications of Op-Amps, Thyristors, other SCR family members, Power Supplies, and Industrial Automation.

Op-Amps

• Op-Amps can be configured for various applications.
• Relaxation oscillators generate repetitive waveforms.
• Window comparators detect voltages within a specific range.
• Op-Amps are usable as rectangular to triangular pulse converters and vice versa.
• Wien bridge oscillators are used for generating sine waves.
• Function generators create multiple types of waveforms.
• Op-Amps have a characteristic frequency response.
• Power supplies utilize Op-Amps for regulation.
• Op-Amps are essential components in active filters, such as low-pass and high-pass filters.

Thyristors

• Silicon Controlled Rectifiers (SCRs)/thyristors are semiconductor devices.
• SCRs have specific constructional features.
• SCR operation is based on controlling the flow of current.
• SCR terminology includes terms like holding current and latching current.
• SCR turn-on methods include gate triggering.
• SCR turn-off methods, also known as commutation techniques, involve reducing the current below the holding current or applying a reverse voltage.
• Commutation types include forced commutation and natural commutation.
• SCR thermal characteristics are important for heat management.
• Overvoltage protection circuits are implemented to prevent damage.
• SCRs can be operated in series and parallel configurations to increase voltage and current capabilities, respectively.
• Single-phase half-wave controlled rectifiers use SCRs to control the output voltage.

Other SCR Family Members

• Triacs are bidirectional thyristors for AC control.
• Diacs are bidirectional trigger diodes.
• Quadracs combine a Triac and a Diac in one package.
• Fast recovery diodes have a short reverse recovery time.
• Power diodes are designed for high current and voltage applications.
• Power transistors are transistors designed for high power applications.
• Power MOSFETs utilize a Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor for power switching.
• Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBTs) combine the advantages of MOSFETs and BJTs.
• It's important to consider the power loss when using semiconductor devices.
• Power MOSFETs, power transistors, and power IGBTs have different characteristics and trade-offs in terms of switching speed, on-resistance, and gate drive requirements.

Power Supplies

• Power supplies convert AC voltage to DC voltage.
• Rectifiers (half-wave, full-wave) convert AC to DC.
• Performance parameters include ripple factor and voltage regulation.
• Filters (capacitor, inductor, inductor-capacitor, pi filter) reduce ripple.
• Bleeder resistors discharge filter capacitors when the power supply is turned off.
• Voltage multipliers increase the DC voltage level.
• Series and shunt voltage regulators maintain a constant output voltage.
• Switched-Mode Power Supplies (SMPS) are more efficient than linear power supplies.
• Switch mode converters include flyback, buck, boost, buck-boost, and cuk converters.

Industrial Automation

• Control schemes are used to automate industrial processes.
• Controllers regulate the process variables.
• Data Acquisition Systems (DAS) are used to collect data from the process.
• Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) are used to control industrial equipment.
• PLCs offer advantages over conventional relay controllers in terms of flexibility and reliability.
• A PLC consists of input modules, a processor, and output modules.
• Ladder logic is a programming language used for PLCs.
• PLCs are used in various process control applications.

Explore applications of Op-Amps, Thyristors/SCRs, and power supplies in industrial automation. Op-Amps are configured for oscillators, comparators, and active filters. SCRs are semiconductor devices controlling current flow.