GTO (Gate Turn Off Thyristor)

-BY: SUDIP
CHANDA
 Basics of GTO (gate turn off thyristor):-
 The full form of GTO is Gate Turn Off Thyristor. It is
a special type of Thyristor.
 GTO a active semiconductor device. It was invented
at General Electric.
 GTO is a fully controllable switch which can be turn
ON and turn OFF by gate signal. Where as
conventional thyristor can be turn ON by gate pulse
and cannot turn OFF by gate pulse.
 During turn ON it is work like a conventiotional
thyristor.
 Structure and working of GTO (gate turn off
thyristor):-
 GTO can be turn ON by applying +ve gate
pulse.
 GTO can be turn OFF by applying –ve gate
pulse.
 GTO turn ON is not reliable as SCR.
 GTO is 10 times faster than SCR.
 To turn OFF process connect GTO parallel.
 Advatages of GTO (gate turn off thyristor):-
 The gate turn off thyristor(GTO) has more di/dt ratings at turn ON.
 Faster turn off permitting high switching frequencies.
 High blocking voltage capabilities.
 Exhibits low gate currents and high frequency.
 It does not need to require the communication circuit, hence it is reduce the size,weight and cost.

 Disadvantages of GTO (gate turn off thyristor):-

 Holding current and magnitude of latching current is more.
 Gate drive circuit losses are more.
 Triggering gate current is much higher than that required for normal SCR.

 Applications of GTO:
 It is used in high-performance AC as well as DC motor drives.
 It is used in DC to AC or DC-to-DC converters.
 It is used in DC choppers.
 It is used in inverters and HVDC system.
 It is used in induction heating.
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