Thyristors, also known as silicon controlled rectifiers, are solid-state components used to switch and control electric current. They consist of four alternating layers of semiconductor materials with anode, cathode, and gate terminals. Thyristors can handle high voltage and current ratings and are used in various applications, including power supplies and long-distance power transmission structures. They possess useful variables such as precise control over switching conditions and a known float voltage.
A thyristor is a solid-state component used to switch and control the flow of electric current. Also known as a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR), a thyristor is a rugged electronic component used in applications with high current flow. They consist of four layers of alternating nep-type semiconductor materials equipped with anode, cathode, and gate terminals. Thyristors begin conducting when they receive a preset voltage at their gate terminal and, depending on several variables, will continue to conduct even if the gate voltage is removed. These operating variables and a wide power range make current regulator thyristors extremely useful.
While thyristors can be broadly classified as simple current switching devices, the range of operating variables they possess make them very useful in a number of control applications. Essentially thyristors are high current switching devices made up of four alternating pen layers. An anode is located on the first p layer, a gate terminal on the second p layer, and a cathode on the last n layer. When inactive, there is no current transfer through the anode/cathode path. The component requires a set value voltage applied to the gate layer to turn it on and cause it to conduct current.
The fact that the component does not turn on if the gate voltage falls below its nominal threshold value is one of the useful variables that a thyristor possesses. This allows for precise control over the switching conditions of the component. Once the thyristor has been turned on, it will remain on even if the gate voltage is removed and the current flowing through it does not drop below the component’s hold value. This known float voltage is another useful feature of thyristors. If the anode voltage value is lower than the float level, the thyristor will not turn on even if it receives a gate pulse.
Thyristors can comfortably handle extremely high voltage and current ratings. They are commonly used in zero-cross alternating current (AC) controllers, power supplies, phase-fed controllers, and long-distance power transmission structures. The latter application features huge banks of thyristors arranged in Graetz bridge configurations that are capable of reliably switching power ratings of several megawatts (1,000,000 watts). On the other hand, small AC/DC power supplies may use thyristors rated at 20 watts or less. This flexibility and range of operating powers make the thyristor one of the most useful current flow controllers in the circuit designer’s arsenal.
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