The integrated gate-commutated thyristor is a specialized thyristor that includes its gate drive circuit in the same package. It turns on like a standard thyristor but can be forced off by applying a large reverse current to the gate, interrupting the main current flow. They are used in multi-megawatt applications like grid-tied inverters, traction drives, and medium-voltage motor controllers, where they offer lower conduction losses than IGBTs.
We're specifying an IGCT stack for the new wind turbine inverter to hit our efficiency targets at medium voltage.
Do not mix it up with
- IGBT: IGCTs are used for extreme high-power, multi-megawatt applications and latch on, while IGBTs are used for lower power ranges and require continuous gate voltage to stay on.
Related terms
Thyristor
A four-layer semiconductor device that acts as a bistable switch for high-power applications.
IGBT
A power semiconductor device that combines a simple gate drive with high-current capability.
Power electronics
The branch of electrical engineering focused on the conversion and control of electric power.