
2002 Teccor Electronics
Thyristor Product Catalog
AN1008 - 1
http://www.teccor.com
+1 972-580-7777
8
Explanation of Maximum Ratings and
Characteristics for Thyristors
Introduction
Data sheets for SCRs and triacs give vital information regarding 
maximum ratings and characteristics of thyristors. If the 
maxi-
mum ratings
 of the thyristors are surpassed, possible irrevers-
ible damage may occur. The 
characteristics
 describe various 
pertinent device parameters which are guaranteed as either min-
imums or maximums. Some of these characteristics relate to the 
ratings but are not ratings in themselves. The characteristic does 
not define what the circuit must provide or be restricted to, but 
defines the device characteristic. For example, a minimum value 
is indicated for the dv/dt because this value depicts the guaran-
teed worst-case limit for all devices of the specific type. This min-
imum dv/dt value represents the maximum limit that the circuit 
should allow.
Maximum Ratings
V
RRM
: Peak Repetitive Reverse Voltage — SCR
The peak repetitive reverse voltage rating is the maximum peak 
reverse voltage that may be continuously applied to the main ter-
minals (anode, cathode) of an SCR. (Figure AN1008.1) An open-
gate condition and gate resistance termination is designated for 
this rating. An increased reverse leakage can result due to a pos-
itive gate bias during the reverse voltage exposure time of the 
SCR. The repetitive peak reverse voltage rating relates to case 
temperatures up to the maximum rated junction temperature.
Figure AN1008.1
V-I Characteristics of SCR Device
V
DRM
: Peak Repetitive Forward (Off-state) Voltage
SCR
The peak repetitive forward (off-state) voltage rating (Figure 
AN1008.1) refers to the maximum peak forward voltage which 
may be applied continuously to the main terminals (anode, cath-
ode) of an SCR. This rating represents the maximum voltage the 
SCR should be required to block in the forward direction. The 
SCR may or may not go into conduction at voltages above the 
V
DRM
 rating. This rating is specified for an open-gate condition 
and gate resistance termination. A positive gate bias should be 
avoided since it will reduce the forward-voltage blocking capabil-
ity. The peak repetitive forward (off-state) voltage rating applies 
for case temperatures up to the maximum rated junction temper-
ature.
Triac
The peak repetitive off-state voltage rating should not be sur-
passed on a typical, non-transient, working basis. (Figure 
AN1008.2) V
 should not be exceeded even instantaneously. 
This rating applies for either positive or negative bias on main 
terminal 2 at the rated junction temperature. This voltage is less 
than the minimum breakover voltage so that breakover will not 
occur during operation. Leakage current is controlled at this volt-
age so that the temperature rise due to leakage power does not 
contribute significantly to the total temperature rise at rated cur-
rent.
Figure AN1008.2
V-I Characteristics of Triac Device
Reverse
Breakdown
Voltage
Forward
Breakover
Voltage
Specified Minimum
Off - State
Blocking
Voltage (V
DRM
)
+I
-I
+V
-V
Minimum Holding
Current (I
H
)
Voltage Drop (V
) at
Specified Current (i
T
)
Latching Current (I
L
)
Off - State Leakage
Current - (I
DRM
) at
Specified V
DRM
Specified Minimum
Reverse Blocking
Voltage (V
RRM
)
Reverse Leakage
Current - (I
RRM
) at
Specified V
RRM
Breakover
Voltage
Specified Minimum
Off-state
Blocking
Voltage (V
DRM
)
+I
-I
+V
-V
Minimum Holding
Current (I
H
)
Voltage Drop (V
) at
Specified Current (i
T
)
Latching Current (I
L
)
Off-state Leakage
Current – (I
DRM)
 at
Specified V
DRM
AN1008