How can the PIV (peak inverse voltage) ability of an SCR circuit be increased?

Connecting two SCRs in series is an effective method to increase the peak inverse voltage (PIV) capability of an SCR circuit. When SCRs are connected in series, each SCR shares the total voltage applied across the combination. This allows the overall circuit to withstand a higher voltage without exceeding the individual PIV ratings of the SCRs.

For example, if each SCR has a PIV rating of 600 volts, connecting two of them in series can handle a total of 1200 volts. This means that the system can manage higher transient voltages without risking breakdown or failure of the components.

The other options do not directly contribute to increasing PIV in a similar manner. Adjusting capacitor or resistor values in a snubber circuit can optimize performance during operation but does not inherently raise the voltage rating that the SCRs can withstand. Inductive reactances in parallel might assist with other operational parameters but do not directly increase the PIV capacity of the SCRs.