A GTO DC Circuit Breaker Controlled by a Single-Chip Microcomputer

Power semiconductor circuit-breaker application suggests the need for microcomputers that provide firing control, excellent dc short-circuit fault interrupting performance, precise overload protection of themselves, as well as high reliability with minimum components. This paper deals with the prototype dc 1500 V GTO (gate turnoff thyristor) circuit breaker controlled by a single-chip microcomputer. Emphasis is on the GTO junction temperature observation.