Power electronic components
Power electronic components are semiconductor devices, such as diodes, thyristors, transistors, etc. that are used in the power circuit of a converter. In power electronics, they are used in the non-linear switching mode (on/off mode) and not as linear amplifiers. In other words, these devices behave like an electronic switch.
An electronic switch electronically connects or disconnects an AC or DC circuit and can usually be switched ON and/or OFF. Conduction is usually permitted in one direction only.
The following components are devices that are commonly used as electronic switches in power electronic converters.
• Power diodes
• Power thyristors
• GTO
• MOS-controlled thyristors (MCT)
• Power bipolar junction transistors (BJT)
• Field effect transistors (FET, MOSFET)
• Insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT)
• Resistors (provide resistance)
• Reactors or chokes (provide inductance)
• Capacitors (provide capacitance).