The low-temperature behavior of thyristors

The forward breakover voltage and forward conduction voltage drop of a thyristor have been measured as a function of decreasing temperature between 25 degrees C and -180 degrees C. These data are presented for a 1200-V, 560-A average, inverter thyristor. Both the measured and calculated forward breakover voltages exhibit negative temperature coefficients. The decrease in V/sub BF/ at low temperatures necessitates that thyristors with overrated blocking voltages be used at these temperatures.<
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