Design of control and protection schemes for MCT converters

The paper presents the complete control circuit of a phase-controlled rectifier using the MOS Controlled Thyristor (MCT) as the power switch. The circuit generates gate pulses for turning the MCT on and off, for a set of firing and extinction angles. It is possible to operate the converter at lagging, leading, or unity power factor. The control circuit includes a scheme for protecting the MCT against overcurrent. Experimental waveforms of the control signals as well as the load voltage and load current are shown. Frequency spectra of the load voltage and load current are also presented.

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