Advantages of GTO over Thyristor

1. Commutation circuit is not needed
2. Fast switching speed
3. More di/dt at turn on
4. Higher efficiency because losses in commutation circuit is eliminated
5. Circuits using GTO  are compact
6. Lesser acoustical and electromagnetic noise due to elimination of choke of commutation

Disadvantages of GTO

1. Higher latching and holding current
2. Higher on state voltage drop and power losses
3. Higher gate current
4. Higher gate circuit losses
5. Lower reverse voltage blocking capacity

Inspite of all above disadvantages,GTOs are being used in a variety of application such as variable frequency inverter circuits,electric traction and steel mills.Rating available are upto about 6kV and 6kA.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!