Author
Home > Engineering > What is the Difference Between Transistor and Thyristor?

Guilherme Mazui

•5 minutes to read

What is the Difference Between Transistor and Thyristor?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

Transistors and thyristors are both semiconductor devices, but they have different functions and application scenarios. Here are the key differences between them:

  1. Structure: Transistors have three semiconductive layers made of N-Type and P-Type materials, while thyristors have a four-layer composition.
  2. Terminals: Transistors have three terminals (emitter, base, and collector), while thyristors have three terminals (anode, gate, and cathode).
  3. Function: Transistors are mainly used for amplification and switching in low power circuits, while thyristors are used for controlled rectification and switching in high power circuits.
  4. Power Handling Capacity: Thyristors can handle large power and have high voltage and current ratings, while transistors have lower power handling capacity and lower voltage and current ratings.
  5. Switching: Transistors can operate between on and off states, while thyristors can be fully switched on or off. Thyristors have longer turn-on and turn-off times compared to transistors.
  6. Applications: Transistors are commonly used in computer memory chips and amplification of signals, while thyristors are used in high voltage power lines, power switches in factories, and other high-power applications.

In summary, transistors are better suited for high-frequency and low-power applications, while thyristors are better suited for low-frequency and high-power applications. The choice between using a transistor or a thyristor depends on the specific circuit design and requirements.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Transistor and Thyristor?
  • Comparative Table: Transistor vs Thyristor

    • Comparative Table: Transistor vs Thyristor

    Here is a table comparing the differences between a transistor and a thyristor:

    Parameter Transistor Thyristor
    Definition A transistor is a three-layer, three-terminal semiconductor device used as a switch and an amplifier in the circuit. A thyristor is a four-layer, three-terminal semiconductor device used as a controlled rectifier and switch in the circuit.
    Construction Transistor is formed by sandwiching a layer of either N-type or P-type semiconductor material. Thyristor is formed by four layers of P-type and N-type materials arranged in an alternate manner.
    Terminals A transistor has three terminals named: emitter (E), base (B), and collector (C). A thyristor has three terminals named: anode (A), cathode (K), and gate (G).
    PN Junctions A transistor has two PN junctions. A thyristor has three PN junctions.
    Types Transistors are mainly divided into bipolar transistors (BJT) and field effect transistors (FET). Based on the construction, thyristor is only of one type viz. PNPN.
    Working Principle Transistors work by controlling the collector current by controlling the base current. Thyristors work by controlling the main electrode current by controlling the gate to realize functions such as current control and voltage regulation.
    Application Transistors are used in electronic devices such as computer memory chips and amplifiers. Thyristors are used in circuits like voltage regulation, current control, and DC power conversion in AC circuits.
    Power Handling Transistors have lower power handling capacity compared to thyristors. Thyristors have higher power handling capacity compared to transistors.
    Size and Cost Transistors are smaller in size and less expensive than thyristors. Thyristors are larger in size and more expensive than transistors.
    Efficiency Transistors have lower efficiency compared to thyristors. Thyristors have higher efficiency compared to transistors.
    Voltage Drop Transistors have a lower voltage drop compared to thyristors. Thyristors have a higher voltage drop compared to transistors.
    Read more:

    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.