THYRISTOR

摘要

The invention relates to thyristors of the type having an auxiliary thyristor for amplifying the control current of the thyristor. This type of thyristor has a control electrode and an auxiliary emitter electrode. In known constrictions, operation of the auxiliary electrode and the control electrode is effected by inter-related circuitry. In the disclosed thyristor the control electrode and auxiliary emitter electrode are each provided with a separate control line connected to terminals in the thyristor housing for the connection of external leads. Thus, the control and auxiliary emitter electrodes can be controlled separately and, in particular, the turn-off time can be reduced by applying a negative voltage from an external source to the auxiliary emitter. This arrangement avoids the problem of providing circuitry in the thyristor to prevent control current from flowing into the auxiliary emitter.