Industrial power thyristors
Powerex has been designing and distributing power thyristors for the most demanding industrial applications for over 60 years. Our standard and fast thyristors cover a wide current and voltage range, for manufacturers of variable speed drives, controlled rectifiers, industrial chargers and power conversion equipment.
Whether you need a component in stock for urgent repairs, or a volume order with a controlled lead time, our technical team will get back to you within 24 hours.
Standard thyristors
Standard thyristors are designed for low-speed, low-power applications. They can cut or switch the current in a circuit, but they are not designed to handle high current or voltage levels. They are often used in low-power control and power circuits.
- Maximum voltage 6500V
- Maximum average current 5000A
- Silicon diameter from 16mm to 100mm
- Special products on request
Fast thyristors
Fast thyristors are designed for high-speed, high-power applications. They are capable of rapidly cutting or switching current in a circuit, even at high current and voltage levels. They are often used in high-power circuits, such as power converters and voltage regulators.
- Maximum voltage 2400V
- Maximum average current 2100A
- Silicon diameter from 16mm to 77mm
- Special products on request
Ask for a quote
The choice of a thyristor depends on several key parameters. The direct and reverse blocking voltage (VDRM / VRRM) must be at least 20-30% higher than the circuit peak voltage. The average current (IT(AV)) and the overload current (ITSM) determine the thermal resistance of the component under actual operating conditions.
For fast-switching applications, the deactivation time (tq) is the decisive parameter: the shorter it is, the higher the switching frequency can be. For conventional phase control, standard thyristors offer the best price/performance ratio.
Our technical team is available to help you identify the most suitable part number, whether to replace an existing component from another manufacturer (Littelfuse, Semikron, Poseico, …) or for a new design.
What is a thyristor?
A power thyristor – also known as a SCR (Silicon Controlled Rectifier) – is a semiconductor device with four alternating P-N-P-N layers and three terminals: anode, cathode and gate. Unlike a diode, it doesn’t conduct automatically as soon as it’s biased forward: you have to send it a pulse on the gate to prime it. Once primed, it continues to conduct as long as the current remains higher than the holding current, even without a trigger signal.
This property makes it the basic element of power control in controlled rectifiers, AC voltage dimmers and industrial variable speed drives. Its robustness and overload resistance make it a benchmark component for harsh industrial environments.
Custom Diodes and Thyristors
POWEREX Europe is able to propose and develop specific products in conjunction with its customers to meet particular needs such as railway / military / aeronautical / industrial applications.
- identification (marking)
- Mechanical: non-standard dimensions, special housings, custom wires and terminals
- Waterproofing
- Reduced mass
- Additional electrical tests (non-standard)
- Connections (wire, braid, thread, etc.)
- Pairings for series and/or parallel connection
- PV of measurements
- …
Our power diodes, thyristors and IGBTs are marked with the logo PRX