The TIL GTO thyristor—A power switch with unique turn-off features

This letter reports the development of the TIL GTO thyristor--a novel power switch possessing the following unique turnoff features: a built-in ability to increase I
ATO
and the gain K
off
; reduced turn-off times even for gains K
off
higher than 8; an enhanced electrothermal reliability during commutation, confirmed by the high operating frequencies (hundreds of kilohertz). The novel device exhibits low on-state losses and retains its reverse-blocking capability.