Thyristor Disc > Pulse Power Thyristor Products

Bipolar Thyristor - Pulse Power Thyristors

Dynex range of Pulse Power Thyristors are available in 3300V and 4500V.

Thyristors

Product List

Up to 4500V Pulse Power Thyristors

Select products you are interested in by ticking the related checkbox

What is a pulse power thyristor?

A pulse power thyristor is a high-power semiconductor switch designed to handle extremely high peak currents and fast energy discharge in pulsed power systems. These devices are used where precise, repeatable switching of large amounts of energy is required in microseconds.

Pulse power thyristors are commonly used in applications such as fusion research, particle accelerators, pulsed lasers, and medical systems.

What are pulse power thyristors used for?

Dynex Pulse Power Thyristor Switches are used for continuous power control and are specifically engineered for extreme high-current, high-energy discharge events with very fast current rise.

They are used in systems requiring controlled, high-energy discharge pulses, including:

Replacement of gas-based switches (e.g. thyratrons, spark gaps, ignitrons) in pulsed power laboratories
Fusion research, such as Tokamak systems
Particle accelerators
Magnetic pulse welding and metal forming
Rock fracturing and plasma drilling
Defence and specialist systems, including electromagnetic launch and laser systems
Medical systems such as pulsed X-ray generators and pulsed radiation equipment

In pulse-power applications, success is not only about switching, but about controlling energy at scale with precision, robustness, and repeatability.

Pulse Power Thyristor

Key features of pulse power thyristors

Very high di/dt capability, typically above 2 kA/µs and in some cases exceeding 20 kA/µs, enabling rapid current rise without localised thermal failure
Low on-state losses for efficient transfer of stored energy
Robust junction design to withstand repetitive pulsed operation
High surge current capability to handle extreme peak currents
Strong dV/dt capability for reliable blocking performance
Long operational life in repetitive pulse environments
Blocking voltage range typically from 3.3 kV to 8.3 kV
Available in both symmetric and asymmetric blocking types
Can be integrated into higher-power and voltage stack assemblies by Dynex Power Assemblies team
Low timing jitter for precise and repeatable pulse delivery

Need help selecting the right pulse power thyristor for your application? Contact Dynex to discuss your technical requirements with our engineering team.

When should engineers use a pulse power thyristor?

Engineers should consider pulse power thyristors when a system requires:

Very high current pulses in short durations
Fast and repeatable switching performance
High reliability in critical systems
Replacement of legacy technologies such as spark gaps or thyratrons
Precise control of pulse timing and energy discharge

They are particularly well suited for modernising pulsed power systems and improving system efficiency and lifespan.

Pulse Power Thyristor Frequently Asked Questions

Pulse power thyristors are designed for applications that demand precise switching, high surge capability and proven reliability under extreme electrical stress. These FAQ's explain the main advantages of pulse power thyristors and why they are widely used in advanced pulsed power systems.

Are Dynex power thyristor device components bonded together or free floating?

The components that make up our encapsulated devices are fully floating using free floating silicon technology and are clamped together to achieve electrical and thermal contact. This allows our power thyristors to have excellent temperature cycling life expectancy.

When might an engineer consider to use a Pulsed Power Thyristor?

Engineers typically consider a pulse power thyristor switch when the application moves beyond “normal switching” and into extreme, short-duration energy delivery where peak current, robustness, and repeatability matter more than switching speed alone. In simple terms: “I need to dump a lot of energy very quickly, reliably, and repeatedly."

Key conditions that drive the choice is extremely high peak current when it exceeds what IGBTs or MOSFETs can safely handle. Thyristors excel due to conductivity modulation, allowing much higher current density.

What are the main advantages of pulse power thyristors?

A pulse power thyristor is a high-power semiconductor device designed to switch extremely high currents and voltages in very short timeframes. It is commonly used in pulsed power systems where precise, reliable, and repeatable energy discharge is essential.

Pulse power thyristors offer several important advantages, including ultra-high current capability, fast switching performance, excellent surge handling, long operational life and strong reliability in demanding environments. These features make them ideal for pulsed power applications where consistent performance is critical.

These characteristics make them ideal for applications where failure is not an option.

Why use a pulse power thyristor instead of a spark gap or thyratron?

Pulse power thyristors are increasingly chosen over legacy switching technologies such as spark gaps and thyratrons because they provide solid-state reliability, longer service life, lower maintenance requirements, improved repeatability and easier integration into modern systems. They can also help reduce operating costs over time.

What applications benefit most from pulse power thyristors?

Pulse power thyristors are used in a wide range of demanding applications, including fusion research, plasma systems, medical pulsed power equipment, industrial pulsed power systems, defense and radar technologies, particle accelerators and other scientific research environments that require high peak power and accurate control.

Are pulse power thyristors suitable for extreme environments?

Yes. Pulse power thyristors are designed to operate in harsh electrical and thermal conditions. They can withstand high voltage stress, current surges and repetitive high-energy pulses, making them well suited to demanding operating environments.

How do pulse power thyristors improve system efficiency?

Pulse power thyristors can improve system efficiency by reducing conduction losses, delivering precise switching control and supporting high repetition rates without significant performance loss. This helps ensure more efficient energy transfer and reliable pulse delivery.