Advantages and disadvantages of Gate turn OFF thyristor (GTO)

There are some advantages of gate turn OFF thyristor (GTO) are given below,

• The gate turn OFF thyristor (GTO) has more di/dt ratings at turn ON.
• It has faster turn OFF permitting high switching frequencies.
• The communication circuit is not required, hence it reduced size, weight and cost.
• It has high efficiency.
• It has high capability of blocking voltage.

There are some disadvantages of gate turn OFF thyristor (GTO) are given below,

• In a gate turn OFF thyristor (GTO), ON state voltage drop and the associated loss is more.
• Gate drive circuit losses are more.
• In a gate turn OFF thyristor (GTO), magnitude of latching and holding current is more.
• Triggering gate current is higher as compared to the current required for a conventional SCR.

Gate turn OFF thyristor