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Gating, Latching, and Holding of SCRs and Triacs

From Littelfuse, Inc.
 

 
Gating, latching, and holding currents of thyristors are some of the most important parameters. These parameters and their interrelationship determine whether the SCRs and triacs will function properly in various circuit applications. This application note describes how the SCR and triac parameters are related. This knowledge helps users select best operating modes for various circuit applications. Three general methods are available to switch thyristors to on-state condition: * Applying proper gate signal * Exceeding thyristor static dv/dt characteristics * Exceeding voltage breakover point This application note examines only the application of proper gate signal. Gate signal must exceed the IGT and VGT requirements of the thyristor being used. IGT (gate trigger current) is the minimum gate current required to switch a thyristor from the off state to the on state. VGT (gate trigger voltage) is the voltage required to produce the gate trigger current.
Products & Services
Quadracs are a special type of thyristor which combines a diac and a triac in a single package. The diac is the triggering device for the triac. Search by Specification | Learn more about Quadracs
Thyristors are a class of four-layer (PNPN) semiconductor devices that act as switches, rectifiers, or voltage regulators. Search by Specification | Learn more about Thyristors
Thyristor surge suppressors are semiconductor chips used to protect circuits and devices from over-voltage and over-current. Search by Specification | Learn more about Thyristor Surge Suppressors
Specialty thyristors are specialty or proprietary products and accessories related to thyristors. Learn more about Specialty Thyristors
Sidacs are bidirectional silicon switches that provide greater power handling capabilities than standard diacs. These four-layer (PNPN) semiconductor devices are triggered by thyristors and act as open circuits that are capable of withstanding a specific rated voltage until triggered. Search by Specification | Learn more about Sidacs
Product Announcements
American Microsemiconductor, Inc. - We have your Triacs
A triac is a electronic bidirectional switch (A bidirectional SCR) which can conduct current in either direction(AC) when it is triggered. With over 17,000,000 electronic components sitting on our... (read more)
American Microsemiconductor, Inc. - Silicon Controlled Rectifier (SCR) by AMS
The Silicon Controlled Rectifier (SCR) is simply a conventional rectifier controlled by a gate signal. With over 17,000,000 electronic components sitting on our warehouse shelves we can almost... (read more)
American Microsemiconductor, Inc. - Diacs - Bidirectional trigger diodes by AMS
The diac is a bidirectional trigger diode which is designed specifically to trigger a triac or SCR. (read more)
CARLO GAVAZZI Automation Components - Solid State Relay
Carlo Gavazzi has expanded the SOLITRON Series with the addition of the RJCS Series Current Monitoring Solid State Relay . (read more)
American Microsemiconductor, Inc. - Programmable Unijunction Transistor known as PUT
(PUT) Programmable Unijunction Transistor from American Microsemiconductor, Inc. Programmable Unijunction Transistor - The PUT is similar to standard Unijunction Transistor except that the breakdown... (read more)
American Microsemiconductor, Inc. - ECG Semiconductors (ECG)
ECG semiconductors were originally intended for the replacement, hobbyist, and experimental markets and in time found applications in industrial repair and maintenance departments. (read more)
Dunn Engineering, Inc. - Power Electronics
Dunn Engineering, Inc. is an electrical/electronic technology company specializing in the rapid design and development of innovative, high quality, state of the art controls and electronics. They... (read more)
 
Topics of Interest
The thyristor family of semiconductors consists of several very useful devices. The most widely used of this family are silicon controlled rectifiers (SCRs), triacs, sidacs, and diacs. In many... (Read More)
6 Critical Charge The critical charge in a thyristor determines the maximum voltage ramp (dV/dt) of the thyristor [38], spread velocity of the "on" state [52], minimum gate control current density... (Read More)
Data sheets for SCRs and triacs give vital information regarding maximum ratings and characteristics of thyristors. If the maximum ratings of the thyristors are surpassed, possible irreversible damage... (Read More)
Due to high-volume production techniques, thyristors are now priced so that almost any electrical product can benefit from electronic control. A look at the fundamentals of SCR and triac phase... (Read More)
4 Turn-Off Performances There are three ways to turn the thyristor off. Any thyristor structure can be turned-off if cathode-anode bias reduces to the value at which the cathode-anode current is... (Read More)
See more product announcements for Quadracs
Steel Weights Calculator - Figure Metal Weights

Steel Weights Calculator - Figure Metal Weights
All Metals & Forge


Programmable Unijunction Transistor known as PUT

Programmable Unijunction Transistor known as PUT
American Microsemiconductor, Inc.


OLDIES BUT GOODIES: Try AMERICAN MICROSEMI

OLDIES BUT GOODIES: Try AMERICAN MICROSEMI
American Microsemiconductor, Inc.


11 See more product announcements for Quadracs