MOS Turn-Off Thyristor (MTO)
MTO stands for MOS turn-off thyristor. It is a high-power bipolar MOS thyristor that constitutes both MOSFET and Gate Turn-off thyristor (GTO). It was developed as a replacement for GTO. It…
TRIAC – Operation, symbol, circuits & applications
A TRIAC or TRIode for Alternating Current is a three-terminal bidirectional thyristor, meaning that can conduct current in both directions when activated properly. It is used in AC switching applications.…
Thyristors and their types
Thyristors are high-speed semiconductor switching devices that are made up of four layers of alternating p and n-type materials. They are used in AC/DC switching and AC power control applications.…
SCR – Silicon Controlled rectifier
A Silicon Controlled Rectifier (SCR) is a unidirectional semiconductor device that can be triggered into conduction by applying a positive gate current. It led to tremendous advancements in power semiconductor…
Diode ratings – How to understand a diode datasheet?
Datasheets released by diode manufacturers contain a number of diode ratings. In order to select diodes for an application, it is important to understand all the ratings listed in the…
What is PIV rating in a diode?
PIV stands for 'Peak Inverse Voltage'. It refers to the maximum reverse bias voltage a semiconductor diode or other semiconductor devices can withstand without damaging themselves. The peak inverse voltage…
PN Junction Diodes
What is a diode? A diode is an electrical component that allows the current to flow in only one particular direction. Diodes are made up of silicon and germanium. They…
Zener diodes – Operation, Symbol and V-I Characteristics
What are zener diodes? Zener diodes are silicon semiconductor devices that can allow the passage of current in both forward and reverse directions. Unlike p-n junction diodes, they are designed…