Term of the Moment
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Definition: thyristor
A semiconductor component that is unidirectional like a diode, but is switched like a transistor. It is widely used to control high currents and voltages in motors, lighting, heating and power applications. Once turned on at the gate, it allows current to flow until it falls below a certain threshold. In an AC circuit, it stops conducting each time the wave crosses over zero and can rectify AC to DC. See diode, PN junction and n-type silicon.
Thyristor
A thyristor is like two diodes in a row with a third terminal (the gate). When voltage is applied to the gate, current flows from the anode to the cathode until the current falls below a certain threshold.