What's the highest current an SCR can handle versus a Power Mosfet? I assume SCRs are still way out in front but are Mosfets faster?
W.King
- posted
16 years ago
Power Mosfets vs SCRs
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- posted
16 years ago
Let's say an SCR and a Mosfet are in TO-220 packages. I'll say mosfet handles more current. (SCR Vsat vs Mos Rdson)
As for speed contest... I dunno... But I'll guess mosfet again due to a push for advancements in efficient smps's.. D from BC
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- posted
16 years ago
Hi King,
SCR are available in the high kA range, >1000V, Mosfets are available in the several 100 A range, There is also an IGBT that is also available in the kA range (of course not in standard semiconductor cases like TO 220, 247, etc). check
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(part of infineon).
When it comes to speed, the MOSFET is the fastest followed by the IGBT. Both MOSFET and IGBT can be turned of during conduction, the SCR will only turn off when the current drops below a certain value (hold- current).
When it comes to high voltage application >600V, the IGBT outperforms the MOSFET (conduction losses in MOSFET are mostly higher because of high RDSon).
Whether to use and SCR, IGBT or MOSFET depends on your application. Here also commercial aspects will count.
When you do a search with both MOSFET, IGBT, thyristor and "comparison", you will probably find documents that will help you to make the right choice.
Best regards,
Wim