Gate turn-off thyristor

Gate turn-off thyristor (GTO)
Simplified cross-section of a GTO thyristor
Typeactive
InventedGeneral Electric
Pin configuration anode, gate, cathode
Electronic symbol

A gate turn-off thyristor (GTO) is a special type of thyristor, which is a high-power (e.g. 1200 V AC) semiconductor device. It was invented by General Electric.[1] GTOs, as opposed to normal thyristors, are fully controllable switches which can be turned on and off by their gate lead.

  1. ^ Hingorani, Narain G; Laszlo Gyugi (2011). Understanding FACTS. India: IEEE Press. p. 41. ISBN 978-81-265-3040-3.