Thyristors as standard or customized

Thyristors are semiconductor devices that are used as controllable switches. They can be in one of two states: either the conducting state, where they allow current to pass through, or the non-conducting state, where they block the flow of current. Thyristors are used in many power electronics applications due to their ability to control high voltages and currents. They are used in inverters, in the control of electric motors and in the power regulation of lighting systems. A thyristor is activated by a control signal at the gate, but remains in a conductive state even after this signal is removed until the current flowing through it falls below a certain value.

Thyristors are used because they can efficiently switch high voltages and currents, which makes them particularly suitable for applications in power electronics. They offer a robust and reliable way to control and regulate electrical energy, which is of great importance in industry and energy supply. Thyristors can help improve the efficiency of electrical systems by reducing losses and enabling precise control. They are also durable and highly reliable, resulting in lower maintenance and replacement costs. Their ability to switch quickly while handling large amounts of energy makes them indispensable for modern electronic applications.

A thyristor has four layers of alternating p- and n-doped semiconductor material, giving it two more p-n junctions than a conventional diode. This structure allows the thyristor to be in a non-conducting or conducting state, depending on the application of a control voltage to the gate. When a suitable control signal is applied to the gate, it causes the thyristor to change from a high-resistance to a low-resistance state, allowing current to flow through the device. The thyristor remains in the conductive state even if the gate signal is removed as long as a current flows through it. To return the thyristor to the non-conductive state, the current flow must be interrupted or reduced below a certain holding current.

Thyristors are used in a variety of applications that require efficient control of high power. They can be found in power transmission and distribution, where they are used to control high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission systems. In industrial automation, thyristors control processes by regulating motors, controlling heating elements and are used in power converters. They also play an important role in consumer electronics, for example in regulating the power in audio amplifiers. In addition, they are used in railroad technology to control traction motors and in the automotive industry in electric drives.

There are various types of thyristors that differ in their function and application. The standard thyristor, often referred to simply as a thyristor, is designed for the basic function of switching on and off. TRIACs (Triode for Alternating Current) are thyristors that are suitable for alternating current applications and can conduct in both directions. GTOs (Gate Turn-Off Thyristors) can not only be switched on but also switched off again by a signal at the gate, which makes them more flexible in use. MCTs (MOS Controlled Thyristors) combine thyristor technology with MOSFET gates to provide improved control. Finally, there are SCSs (Silicon Controlled Switches), which function similarly to thyristors but are designed for specific low-power applications.