Silicon Thyristors for Ultrahigh Power (GW) Applications

Evolution of thyristor technology and the design concepts, which brought and maintain the phase control thyristor (PCT) at the top of a power pyramid, are discussed. The state-of-the-art device concepts like electrically triggered thyristor and light triggered thyristor are described for voltage classes up to 8.5 kV and maximal on-state rated current of 6 kA. Main focus is laid on the PCTs for high-voltage direct current transmission, the enabler of power transmission beyond the 10-GW level.