How does a thyristor work in a circuit?

A thyristor is a semiconductor device that works as a switch in a circuit.

Thyristors are used in circuits where a high current or voltage needs to be controlled. They have three terminals: an anode, a cathode, and a gate. When a voltage is applied to the gate, the thyristor turns on and allows current to flow from the anode to the cathode. Once the thyristor is turned on, it will continue to conduct current even if the gate voltage is removed.

The thyristor works by using a phenomenon called regenerative feedback. When a small current is applied to the gate, it triggers a larger current to flow from the anode to the cathode. This larger current then triggers even more current to flow, creating a positive feedback loop that rapidly turns on the thyristor.

To turn off the thyristor, the current flowing through it must be reduced to zero. This can be done by reducing the voltage across the thyristor or by applying a reverse voltage to it. Once the current is reduced to zero, the thyristor turns off and stops conducting.

Thyristors are commonly used in power control circuits, such as motor control and lighting dimmers. They are also used in electronic switches and inverter circuits.