Thyristors and rectifier diodes-the semiconductor workhorses

Power semiconductor devices have become one of the main bridges between the electrical and electronic equipment technologies. They are being used increasingly in every phase of generation, distribution, and consumption of electric power. This article surveys the various types of components, their applications, and the outlook for the future. The stress is on thyristors and silicon rectifier diodes, which exhibit electrical characteristics that are uniquely tailored to ac utility power systems.