Hello world of -all about circuits- I am halfway through creating my first circuit and have reached a situation... I dont know which prongs on a SCR or Diode are the anode, cathode, and such. I looked at them under a magnifying glass -twice- and have yet to notice anything.

If anyone can help me now it would be great, Ill post some pictures in a bit.

EDIT: The SCR looks "like" this, not the exact one but similar http://media.digikey.com/photos/STMicro%20Photos/TOP3.jpg

The Diode looks "like" this too, but there is 1 major difference, the middle prong of mine is attached to one on the side http://rocky.digikey.com/weblib/IXYS/Web%20Photos/New%20Photos/TO-247AD.jpg

 

Does the thing have a number so you can get the data sheet?

A test with a meter can identify the gate and cathode, as they are the only terminals that will show static conduction. Also, if you place the meter leads on the cathode and anode while in ohms mode, jumping the positive lead to the gate will turn the SCR on.

 

Ah yes it does have numbers, but the Diode/SCR are inaccessable to me at the moment, Ill get them later today. Also, I can see the volt meter being able to test for the diode, but you are confusing me in how I can use it for the SCR. Please, imagine you are describing it to a 10 year old (Its probably too simplistic, but I mean why not go a little more in depth rather than risk me asking -more- questions? =) )

 

You might get some useful stuff out of our Ebook - http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/vol_3/chpt_7/5.html