When the gate level on an SCR drops below the trigger point, what occurs?

When the gate level on an SCR (Silicon Controlled Rectifier) drops below the trigger point, the SCR continues to conduct current, or "stays on," until the current flowing through it drops below a certain level known as the holding current. This behavior is due to the SCR's latching mechanism, which allows it to maintain conduction even when the gate signal is removed, as long as the anode current remains above the holding current threshold.

In normal operation, when the SCR is triggered by a gate signal, it enters a conducting state, allowing current to flow from the anode to the cathode. The gate signal can be removed; however, the SCR will remain in the "on" state as long as the current through the device does not fall below the holding current. This property is what makes SCRs valuable in controlling power in various applications, as they can be turned on with a trigger signal and will stay on without needing continuous gate activation.

In contrast, if the gate level drops below the trigger point and the anode current also falls below the holding current simultaneously, the SCR would turn off. However, under normal conditions where the SCR remains above its holding current, it will continue to conduct, reinforcing why the correct answer is