2.10 Thyristors Flashcards
1
Q
What is a thyristor?
A
A thyristor is a process device. It has 3 legs (Gate, Anode & Cathode). It is a high speed electronic switch that is almost identical to a transistor.
2
Q
Explain how the legs of a thyristor work?
A
Current flows from Gate- Cathode easily, but only flows from Anode- Cathode when there is a certain voltage (0.6V) through the Gate.
3
Q
How is a thyristor a ‘latching device’?
A
Once turned on it stays on, even if the Gate voltage is less than 0.6V. The power supply has to be switched off to reset the thyristor.
