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What is Thyristor and How United Automation Can Provide You with the Best Thyristor Controllers for Your Power Control Applications

What is Thyristor and How United Automation Can Provide You with the Best Thyristor Controllers for Your Power Control Applications

If you are looking for a reliable and efficient way to control the power flow to your industrial machines and equipment, you may want to consider using thyristor controllers. Thyristor controllers are electronic devices that can regulate the amount of power supplied to your load, ensuring optimal performance and energy savings. This article will explain what thyristor is, how thyristor controllers work, and how United Automation can provide you with the best thyristor controllers for your power control applications.

What is Thyristor?

A thyristor is a semiconductor device that acts as a switch. It can turn on and off to control the amount of power supplied to the load. However, unlike a normal switch, a thyristor can only pass current in one direction. It is also known as a silicon controller rectifier (SCR).

Structure on the physical and electronic level, and the thyristor symbol. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thyristor

A thyristor has three terminals: anode, cathode, and gate. The anode and cathode are connected to the power source and the load, respectively. The gate is connected to a control signal that triggers the thyristor to turn on or off.


To turn on a thyristor, a positive voltage pulse is applied to the gate. This causes the thyristor to conduct current from the anode to the cathode. Once the thyristor is turned on, it will remain on until the current drops below a certain level or the voltage across the device becomes zero.


To turn off a thyristor, the current or voltage must be reduced to zero. This can be done by interrupting the power supply or by using another device to bypass the current from the thyristor. Alternatively, a negative voltage pulse can be applied to the gate to force the thyristor to turn off.

How Thyristor Controllers Work

Thyristor controllers use one or more thyristors to control the amount of power supplied to the load. They can adjust the phase angle of the alternating current (AC) voltage supplied to the load, allowing for fine control of the power delivered.


The phase angle is the angle between the voltage waveform and the current waveform. By changing the phase angle, the thyristor controller can vary the effective voltage and current supplied to the load. For example, if the phase angle is zero, the thyristor controller will supply full power to the load. If the phase angle is 90 degrees, the thyristor controller will supply no power to the load.


The phase angle can be controlled by adjusting the timing of the gate signal applied to the thyristor. The gate signal is synchronized with the AC voltage waveform and determines when the thyristor will turn on or off. By delaying or advancing the gate signal, the thyristor controller can change the phase angle and thus control the power flow.

Benefits of Using Thyristor Controllers

There are several benefits of using thyristor controllers in industrial processes. Some of them are:

  • Energy efficiency: By accurately controlling the power flow, thyristor controllers ensure that equipment receives only the energy it needs to operate. This results in less energy waste and more efficient operation.
  • Process control: By providing precise control of power flow, thyristor controllers enable consistent and accurate results in processes that involve heating, cooling, or motor control.
  • Equipment lifespan: By reducing stress on equipment caused by voltage fluctuations and overloading, thyristor controllers help extend equipment life and reduce maintenance costs.
  • Flexibility: Thyristor controllers can be used with various types of loads, such as resistive, inductive, or capacitive loads. They can also be configured for different modes of operation, such as single-phase or three-phase control.

Applications of Thyristor Controllers

Thyristor controllers are used in a wide range of industrial processes that require precise control of power flow. Some of them are:

  • Industrial ovens and furnaces: Thyristor controllers can regulate temperature by controlling heating elements.
  • Plastics and rubber processing equipment: Thyristor controllers can control extrusion speed by controlling motor speed.
  • Semiconductor manufacturing equipment: Thyristor controllers can control the etching rate by controlling plasma generation.
  • Electric vehicle charging stations: Thyristor controllers can control the charging rate by controlling battery voltage.
  • Water treatment plants: Thyristor controllers can control water flow by controlling pump speed.
  • Industrial fans and blowers: Thyristor controllers can control airflow by controlling fan speed.

How United Automation Can Provide You with the Best Thyristor Controllers for Your Power Control Applications

United Automation is a global leader in power control solutions with over 55 years of experience. We offer a wide range of products and services for your power control needs, including:

  • Over 400 standard power control products that cover most of the power control applications.
  • Bespoke design solutions that can meet your specific requirements and specifications.
  • Rapid prototyping, project management, CAD design, and on-site technical support services that can help you with your product development and implementation.
  • Industry-recognized accreditations that ensure the quality and reliability of our products and services.

We are also a trusted partner for some of the best-known companies around the world, such as BAE systems, NHS, Williams Racing and Panasonic. We have been involved in some of the most innovative and challenging projects in various sectors, such as military, medical, catering, aviation, industrial, energy, automotive, and environmental.

If you are interested in learning more about our products and services, please visit our website or contact us today. We will be happy to assist you with your power control solutions.

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