Specifically what is a thyristor?

A thyristor is really a high-power semiconductor device, also referred to as a silicon-controlled rectifier. Its structure contains 4 levels of semiconductor elements, including three PN junctions corresponding to the Anode, Cathode, and control electrode Gate. These three poles would be the critical parts in the thyristor, letting it control current and perform high-frequency switching operations. Thyristors can operate under high voltage and high current conditions, and external signals can maintain their functioning status. Therefore, thyristors are widely used in various electronic circuits, such as controllable rectification, AC voltage regulation, contactless electronic switches, inverters, and frequency conversion.

The graphical symbol of a semiconductor device is generally represented from the text symbol “V” or “VT” (in older standards, the letters “SCR”). Additionally, derivatives of thyristors also include fast thyristors, bidirectional thyristors, reverse conduction thyristors, and lightweight-controlled thyristors. The functioning condition in the thyristor is the fact when a forward voltage is applied, the gate needs to have a trigger current.

Characteristics of thyristor

1. Forward blocking

As shown in Figure a above, when an ahead voltage is utilized in between the anode and cathode (the anode is linked to the favorable pole in the power supply, and also the cathode is attached to the negative pole in the power supply). But no forward voltage is applied to the control pole (i.e., K is disconnected), and also the indicator light will not illuminate. This implies that the thyristor is not conducting and has forward blocking capability.

2. Controllable conduction

As shown in Figure b above, when K is closed, as well as a forward voltage is applied to the control electrode (referred to as a trigger, and also the applied voltage is referred to as trigger voltage), the indicator light switches on. Which means that the transistor can control conduction.

3. Continuous conduction

As shown in Figure c above, after the thyristor is switched on, whether or not the voltage in the control electrode is taken away (that is certainly, K is switched on again), the indicator light still glows. This implies that the thyristor can carry on and conduct. Currently, so that you can cut off the conductive thyristor, the power supply Ea has to be cut off or reversed.

4. Reverse blocking

As shown in Figure d above, although a forward voltage is applied to the control electrode, a reverse voltage is applied in between the anode and cathode, and also the indicator light will not illuminate at this time. This implies that the thyristor is not conducting and can reverse blocking.

5. In conclusion

1) Once the thyristor is exposed to a reverse anode voltage, the thyristor is at a reverse blocking state regardless of what voltage the gate is exposed to.

2) Once the thyristor is exposed to a forward anode voltage, the thyristor will only conduct if the gate is exposed to a forward voltage. Currently, the thyristor is in the forward conduction state, which is the thyristor characteristic, that is certainly, the controllable characteristic.

3) Once the thyristor is switched on, as long as you will find a specific forward anode voltage, the thyristor will stay switched on no matter the gate voltage. That is, after the thyristor is switched on, the gate will lose its function. The gate only works as a trigger.

4) Once the thyristor is on, and also the primary circuit voltage (or current) decreases to close to zero, the thyristor turns off.

5) The disorder for the thyristor to conduct is the fact a forward voltage ought to be applied in between the anode and also the cathode, as well as an appropriate forward voltage also need to be applied in between the gate and also the cathode. To transform off a conducting thyristor, the forward voltage in between the anode and cathode has to be cut off, or even the voltage has to be reversed.

Working principle of thyristor

A thyristor is basically an exclusive triode made from three PN junctions. It could be equivalently regarded as comprising a PNP transistor (BG2) as well as an NPN transistor (BG1).

1. If a forward voltage is applied in between the anode and cathode in the thyristor without applying a forward voltage to the control electrode, although both BG1 and BG2 have forward voltage applied, the thyristor is still switched off because BG1 has no base current. If a forward voltage is applied to the control electrode at this time, BG1 is triggered to create basics current Ig. BG1 amplifies this current, as well as a ß1Ig current is obtained in their collector. This current is precisely the base current of BG2. After amplification by BG2, a ß1ß2Ig current will likely be introduced the collector of BG2. This current is brought to BG1 for amplification then brought to BG2 for amplification again. Such repeated amplification forms a vital positive feedback, causing both BG1 and BG2 to enter a saturated conduction state quickly. A big current appears inside the emitters of these two transistors, that is certainly, the anode and cathode in the thyristor (the size of the current is really determined by the size of the stress and the size of Ea), and so the thyristor is entirely switched on. This conduction process is done in a very short period of time.
2. Right after the thyristor is switched on, its conductive state will likely be maintained from the positive feedback effect in the tube itself. Even when the forward voltage in the control electrode disappears, it is still inside the conductive state. Therefore, the purpose of the control electrode is just to trigger the thyristor to turn on. When the thyristor is switched on, the control electrode loses its function.
3. The only way to switch off the turned-on thyristor would be to lessen the anode current that it is not enough to keep up the positive feedback process. The way to lessen the anode current would be to cut off the forward power supply Ea or reverse the link of Ea. The minimum anode current needed to keep your thyristor inside the conducting state is referred to as the holding current in the thyristor. Therefore, as it happens, as long as the anode current is less than the holding current, the thyristor may be switched off.

What is the distinction between a transistor as well as a thyristor?

Structure

Transistors usually consist of a PNP or NPN structure made from three semiconductor materials.

The thyristor is made up of four PNPN structures of semiconductor materials, including anode, cathode, and control electrode.

Working conditions:

The work of a transistor relies upon electrical signals to control its closing and opening, allowing fast switching operations.

The thyristor needs a forward voltage as well as a trigger current on the gate to turn on or off.

Application areas

Transistors are widely used in amplification, switches, oscillators, and other facets of electronic circuits.

Thyristors are mainly utilized in electronic circuits such as controlled rectification, AC voltage regulation, contactless electronic switches, inverters, and frequency conversions.

Method of working

The transistor controls the collector current by holding the base current to attain current amplification.

The thyristor is switched on or off by managing the trigger voltage in the control electrode to understand the switching function.

Circuit parameters

The circuit parameters of thyristors are based on stability and reliability and in most cases have higher turn-off voltage and larger on-current.

To sum up, although transistors and thyristors can be used in similar applications in some cases, because of their different structures and functioning principles, they have noticeable variations in performance and use occasions.

Application scope of thyristor

• In power electronic equipment, thyristors can be used in frequency converters, motor controllers, welding machines, power supplies, etc.
• In the lighting field, thyristors can be used in dimmers and lightweight control devices.
• In induction cookers and electric water heaters, thyristors could be used to control the current flow to the heating element.
• In electric vehicles, transistors can be used in motor controllers.

Supplier

PDDN Photoelectron Technology Co., Ltd is a superb thyristor supplier. It is one in the leading enterprises in the Home Accessory & Solar Power System, which can be fully involved in the growth and development of power industry, intelligent operation and maintenance control over power plants, solar panel and related solar products manufacturing.

It accepts payment via Bank Card, T/T, West Union and Paypal. PDDN will ship the goods to customers overseas through FedEx, DHL, by air, or by sea. If you are looking for high-quality thyristor, please feel free to contact us and send an inquiry.