The Practical Cycloconverter

A high power capacity frequency conversion system that employs a unique combination of new semiconductor devices has recently been developed and placed in full scale operation. The classical cycloconverter in this embodiment has been reconfigured with thyristors (or silicon controlled rectifiers) in the power circuit with monolithic integrated circuitry for controls. The previous short-comings of the cycloconverter have been overcome by new circuit concepts resulting in dramatic reductions in size, weight, and complexity. The fully practical new frequency converter is expected to become a significant factor in many types of power conversion and control systems. Particular emphasis is currently being placed on the application to high-performance terrestrial and rail vehicles.