Eli5: What is a thyristor and how does it work?
In: 7
A thyristor is in effect a switchable diode. Where a diode has 2 terminals (negative and positive) and will only allow current to flow in one direction, a thyristor has 3 terminals (negative, positive and control) so in order for a thyristor to allow current to pass through it, it requires an voltage across the control terminal.
A simple explanation would be that a diode is a one way valve. Where as a thyristor is a one way valve that can be switched on or off. When it’s powered off it will not let current flow in either direction, when powered on it will only allow current one way like a diode.
Please note I’m a mechanical engineer so this is just my basic understanding, I’m sure a sparky will be along soon to tell me how wrong I am.
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