Megawatt MOS controlled thyristor for high voltage power circuits

Abstract

The authors describes first-generation PMOS-controlled thyristors (P-MCTs) that are fairly mature at 600-1200 V and their first successful 3 kV devices. Single devices are shown operating, in surge, at multimegawatt levels. Modules of parallel or series devices have turned off near megawatt loads. The 3 kV MCT is shown operating in an experimental resonant-type circuit aimed at applications in high-power motor drives.<>