Self-Commutated Thyristor Inverters

The classification philosophy used in this text divides all inverters into two classes—self-commutated inverters and externally commutated inverters. A self-commutated inverter is one in which the means of commutation is included within the inverter itself. This is the case for circuits including electronic power switches with turn-off capability. Thus, a bipolar transistor, GTO thyristor, or power FET inverter is self-commutated. In addition, SCR inverters which include capacitors, inductors and possibly auxiliary thyristors to provide commutation are also examples of self-commutated inverters.