Unique high energy test bed for experimental thyristor devices

This paper details the design of a test platform for experimental silicon and silicon carbide Super Gate Turn Off devices (SGTOs) capable of stressing the devices with very high energy/power levels while at the same time mimicking a realistic, real world application. To this end an aircraft ground power Motor - Generator set was acquired consisting of a high frequency synchronous generator, a D.C. powered brushless exciter machine, and a 100 HP induction motor. The Si SGTO devices were then placed in a three phase controlled rectifier circuit connected between the generator output and a low impedance high power purely resistive load.