The Gate Trigger Current (I_GT) of a Silicon Controlled Rectifier (SCR) is the minimum current that must be applied to the gate terminal to turn the SCR on and allow it to conduct current from the anode to the cathode. When this current is applied, it triggers the SCR into its conducting state.

The gate trigger current is a threshold current, below which the SCR remains off even if the gate voltage is above the gate trigger voltage, V_GT. Typical values of gate trigger current range from a few microamperes (µA) to several milliamperes (mA). This current decreases with an increase in temperature. In circuit design, the gate trigger current is an important parameter for ensuring that the gate drive circuit can provide sufficient current to reliably turn on the SCR under all operating conditions. The value of I_GT is provided in the datasheet of the SCR and is used in designing circuits that involve controlled rectification, phase control, or switching applications.

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