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Definition
1. A thyristor is a four-layer semiconductor device, consisting of alternating P type and N type materials (PNPN). A thyristor usually has three electrodes: an anode, a cathode, and a gate (control electrode).
The most common type of thyristor is the silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR). When the cathode is negatively charged relative to the anode, no current flows until a pulse is applied to the gate. Then the SCR begins to conduct, and continues to conduct until the voltage between the cathode and anode is reversed or reduced below a certain threshold value. Using this type of thyristor, large amounts of power can be switched or controlled using a small triggering current or voltage.
2. A thyristor is a solid-state semiconductor device with four layers of alternating N and P-type materials. It acts exclusively as a bistable switch, conducting when the gate receives a current trigger, and continuing to conduct while the voltage across the device is not reversed (forward-biased). A three-lead thyristor is designed to control the larger current of its two leads by combining that current with the smaller current of its other lead, known as its control lead. In contrast, a two-lead thyristor is designed to switch on if the potential difference between its leads is sufficiently large (breakdown voltage).
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Semiconductor devices
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Sources
http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/thyristor (1.); https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thyristor (2.)
Author: Simon Waterstradt
