The use of thyristors for repetitive narrow pulse, high power switching

Inverter type thyristors were switched repetitively to failure with 1 {micro}s pulses at repetition rates of 10, 50 and 100 pps and at peak currents up to 12 kA. Millions of pulses could be obtained before failure if the peak current were held at around 6 kA

MOS-Gated Thyristors (MCTs) for Repetitive High Power Switching

Certain applications for pulse power require narrow, high current pulses for their implementation. This work was performed to determine if MCTS (MOS Controlled Thyristors) could be used for these applications. The MCTS were tested as discharge switches in a low inductance circuit delivering 1 {micro}s pulses at currents between roughly 3 kA and 11 kA, single shot and repetitively at 1, 10 and 50 Hz. Although up to 9000 switching events could be obtained, all the devices failed at some combination of current and repetition rate. Failure was attributed to temperature increases caused by average power dissipated in the thyristor during the switching sequence. A simulation was performed to confirm that the temperature rise was sufficient to account for failure. Considerable heat sinking, and perhaps a better thermal package, would be required before the MCT could be considered for pulse power applications