Consider the following statements with regard to a GTO:

1. The turn-off gain of the GTO is large.

2. Large negative gate current pulses are required to turn off the GTO.

3. GTO has a large reverse blocking capability.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

ESE Electrical 2017 Official Paper

Answer 1

GTO is a four-layer, three junction semiconductor device with three external terminals, namely, the anode, the cathode and the gate.
The main advantage of the GTO over the SCR is that it can be turned on or off by applying the proper pulse to the gate.
The capability of the GTO to be turned on by a gate signal and also turned-off by a gate signal of negative polarity give it a unique capability within the thyristor family of devices.