9 February 2018

Difference between GTO and thyristor

Before we learn about the difference between GTO and SCR first let we understand the full meaning of GTO and the full meaning of SCR called thyristor. Here this article gives some following merits and demerits compere between them, so it will very useful for in power electronics applications.

A GTO device has the following disadvantages as compared to a conventional thyristor.
  • The magnitude of latching and holding currents is more in a GTO device.
  • On state voltage drop and the associated loss is more in the GTO device.
  • Due to the multitask cathode structure of GTO, triggering gate current is higher than that required for a conventional SCR device.
  • Gate drive circuit losses are too much more.
  • Its reverse voltage blocking capability is less than to its forward voltage blocking capability, but this is no disadvantage so far as inverter and chopper circuit is concerned.
In spite of all these demerits, the GTO device has the following advantages over an SCR. 
  • GTO device has too much faster-switching speed.
  • Its surge current capability is comparable with an SCR device.
  • It has more di/dt rating at turn on.
  • GTO circuit configuration or design configuration has a lower size and weight as compared to the thyristor circuit unit.
  • The GTO unit has higher efficiency because an increase in gate drive power loss and on state loss is more than compensated by the elimination of forced commutation losses.
  • GTO unit has reduced acoustical and electromagnetic noise due to the elimination of commutation chokes.
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