CAPACITOR SWITCHED GATE-TURNOFF THYRISTOR

Gate-turnoff performance of the gate-turnoff thyristor (GTO) through t he transient current of a capacitor is studied. Experimental results o n such a capacitor-switched GTO (CSG) show that a large negative trans ient current is obtained resulting from the discharge of a capacitor a ttached to the gate of the GTO. Very high turnoff current in the CSG c an be achieved. A simple MOS-controlled gate-driving circuit is propos ed which provides full voltage control of the GTO. Comparison between the CSG and the GTO-cascode switch is also carried out.