Are Mega Testers Accurate for Testing Puck Thyristors?

  • Thread starter roro36
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In summary: Is there anything else you want to add?In summary, these thyristors need to be clamped with 500kg force to be tested properly. If testing without is fine, it is important to make sure the device has a good quality heat sink and is installed properly.
  • #1
roro36
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I just started working on a furnace that uses the puck type thyristors for the main power switching. Every now and then, one of them blows and we replace it. We ususally use a mega tester to test wheteher they have blown or not i.e. put 250V across and short the gate to the anode. A zero impedance means its working fine. I am however not too sure how accurate this is for testing? In the data sheets of these thyristors it says they need to be clamped with 500kg of force in some cases. Now by running 24Vdc through these thyristors is this test being performed adequately? Does the device need to be clamped and does the amount of current running through it matter. If its rated for 1300A and I run 1A through it and t works, doees this mean it ill work for high amps or not?

Thanks
 
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  • #2
roro36,

Yes. SCRs and TRIACs work or don't work, no middle ground; so if it works @ 1A, it should work @ rated current. Make sure when replacing one to clean the heat sinks & use a good quality heat sink paste. Use a torque wrench to get the clamping pressure as close as possible.

Fish
 
  • #3
How important is the clamping? If testing without is fine, what is the importance of the clamping in the machine?
 
  • #4
roro36 said:
How important is the clamping? If testing without is fine, what is the importance of the clamping in the machine?

Maintaining proper thermal and electrical conduction.

Fish
 
  • #5
Sorry, stupid previous question, meant for testing? Is it not necessary to have the SCR or Diode clamped for testing?
 
  • #6
roro36,

AFAIK, the only reason for clamping during testing is to ensure proper electrical connection. If it works "unclamped", you should be good to go, if it does not, you may want to clamp it and re-test it. These devices have a large contact area between the metal ends and the silicon that may not perform properly unless clamped. In most cases a "new device" will work just fine w/o clamping, but mechanical and thermal stresses may prevent older devices from operating properly w/o pressure.Fish
 
  • #7
Thanks.
 

1. What is a Puck Thyristor?

A Puck Thyristor is a type of semiconductor device used in power electronic circuits. It is a four-layer device that can control large amounts of electrical current by switching between a conducting and non-conducting state.

2. How does a Puck Thyristor work?

A Puck Thyristor works by using a small control current to trigger a larger current flow between its anode and cathode terminals. It can be turned on and off by applying a gate signal, allowing for precise control of the current flow.

3. What are the main applications of Puck Thyristors?

Puck Thyristors are commonly used in high-power applications, such as motor drives, power supplies, and voltage regulators. They are also used in AC/DC converters, inverters, and other industrial and commercial electronic systems.

4. What are the advantages of using Puck Thyristors?

One of the main advantages of Puck Thyristors is their ability to handle high amounts of electrical current, making them ideal for high-power applications. They also have a long lifespan, are cost-effective, and have a simple structure, making them easy to manufacture.

5. What factors should be considered when selecting a Puck Thyristor?

When selecting a Puck Thyristor, factors such as voltage and current ratings, switching speed, and thermal characteristics should be considered. The application's requirements, such as frequency and power, should also be taken into account. Additionally, the cost and availability of the device should be considered for practical purposes.

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