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Thyristor
Last Updated: November 18, 2012
Definition - What does Thyristor mean?
A thyristor is a solid state and four-layered semiconductor used in electronic devices and equipment to control electrical power or current output through a phase angle control technique.
A thyristor is also known as a semiconductor-controlled rectifier (SCR) or silicon controlled rectifier (SCR).
Techopedia explains Thyristor
Thyristors are primarily designed to amplify and rectify the electrical currents that flow in high-powered electronic devices. A thyristor's four layers consist of a series of N and P-type material that connect with the anode, cathode and a logic gate. When a current is applied at the gate, the thyristor allows an amplified current to flow form anode to cathode.
Although thrysitors can only transmit currents in one direction, they have three different operating modes: reverse blocking, forward blocking and forward conducting.
