C390N

Thyristors are a class of semiconductor devices comprising of at least four semiconductor layers that form rectifiers and switches for power electronics applications. Among them the Silicon-Controlled Rectifiers or SCR devices play a major role in power switching circuits. The C390N SCR stands out among the SCRs, with its small and compact size, built-in crowbar protection circuit and direct interface capability with logic devices and controllers. This article will discuss the C390N\'s application field and working principle.

The C390N is a high power gate turn-off (GTO) thyristor or SCR that can switch up to 6 Amps of current with a maximum voltage rating of 600V DC. It is mainly used in controlling various electric power loads such as heating element control systems, AC motor drives, welding machines, UPS systems and more. The C390N is also used in electric vehicle battery Management systems due to its light weight and small form factor. It is also the perfect choice for high power switching applications due to its high surge rating and very fast switching speed.

The C390N is usually characterized for its current and voltage ratings, on-state voltage drop or Vf, gate turn-off or GTO voltage, gate turn-on or GTI current, latching current and gate turn-off or GTO time. The typical turn-on voltage of C390N is 175V and its gate turn-on current is 6mA. The parameter that dictates its current carrying capacity is its on-state voltage drop, which is typically 1.1V across its entire operating temperature range. The gate turn-on time of the device is that time period when its anode current rises from zero to its maximum value and is 30ns typically.

The main working principle of the C390N device relies on the “controlled avalanche” mechanism, where the gate current is used to reach the very low avalanche breakdown or triggered junction voltage. Once sufficient voltages is achieved, current can continue to flow from the anode to the cathode of the device and the device will remain in its on-state conduction until the voltage falls below the breakdown value. This mechanism is used to control the anode current of the device and is commonly used in circuits requiring a higher current control capability.

The C390N also has a built-in Crowbar circuit, which is used to reduce the risk of device destruction due to over current or short-circuit events. The Crowbar circuit limits the input voltage to the SCR device and prevents the device from entering into its on-state condition. This protection circuit is important as it prevents the damaging of the device due to circuit faults. It also helps to improve the reliability and safety measures of circuits.

The C390N is widely used in applications that require a higher current control capability, fast switching speed and high reliability. It is the perfect choice for power control and switching applications such as electric vehicle battery management systems and AC motor control applications. The built-in Crowbar protection circuit also makes it an ideal choice for such applications as it adds extra protection from short-circuit events, which could lead to device destruction.

In conclusion, the C390N is an ideal choice for high power switching, gate turn-off (GTO) thyristor and SCR applications. It boasts a variety of useful characteristics and features – such as its high surge rating, fast switching speed and small form factor – which make it the perfect choice for high power control applications such as electric vehicle battery management systems, AC motor drives, welding machines, and more.