A new three-terminal thyristor-based high-power switching configuration with high-voltage current saturation

A new high-voltage power switch configuration having thyristor based on-state current conduction together with high-voltage current saturation characteristics is described. Current saturation is obtained in the new thyristor structure by diverting part of the base current at a predesigned current level to bring the NPN and PNP transistors comprising the thyristor out of their regeneratively-coupled conduction mode. The concept has been experimentally verified by fabricating 1200 V, 175 A devices.