Abstract :
This paper describes the computer aided design, construction and rating of an improved high current, high frequency thyristor. The object was to produce a thyristor which had the advantage of a distributed gate but which avoided the expensive manufacturing steps required by interdigitated structures. A newly developed computer rating system was used as the principle design tool. A description of the resulting device geometry is given. An analysis of the computer models including those for instantaneous active aera, charge modulation, and thermal impedance as a function of area is also given. A direct comparison between computer predictions and actual performance for this device is presented as an evaluation of the design procedure´s accuracy. A brief description of the methods used for determining actual performance results is also included since they offer improvements over previously employed techniques.
