IEC 60747-6:2016

Overview

IEC 60747-6:2016 is an international standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that specifies the requirements, ratings, characteristics, and test methods for discrete semiconductor devices known as thyristors. This third edition refines earlier versions by updating and reorganizing technical clauses to better reflect current technology and practices. The standard applies to several types of thyristors:

• Reverse-blocking triode thyristors
• Reverse-conducting (triode) thyristors
• Bidirectional triode thyristors (triacs)
• Turn-off thyristors (GTO thyristors)

The document is to be used in conjunction with IEC 60747-1:2006, which provides general semiconductor device requirements.

Key Topics

IEC 60747-6:2016 covers a comprehensive set of technical subjects related to thyristors, including:

• Definitions and terminology: Standardized terms and letter symbols for ratings such as current, voltage, power dissipation, recovery times, and mechanical ratings.
• Ratings and characteristics: Limiting values and electrical characteristics such as gate voltages and currents, on-state voltage, holding and latching currents, reverse recovery parameters, and thermal resistance.
• Measuring and test methods: Procedures for verifying electrical and thermal parameters including on-state voltage, gate trigger conditions, critical rates of voltage and current rise, recovery times, and thermal impedance.
• Type and routine tests: Specifications for endurance testing, marking, and acceptance criteria to ensure quality and reliability.
• Technical updates: Removal and consolidation of outdated or redundant information from previous editions.

Applications

Thyristors covered by IEC 60747-6:2016 are widely used in power electronics for switching and control applications including:

• Controlled rectifiers and AC power control
• Motor drives and industrial automation
• Lighting dimming and heating control
• Solid-state relays and circuit protection devices
• High-power switching in energy conversion systems

The standardized ratings and test methods ensure interoperability, reliability, and safety in designing and manufacturing discrete semiconductor devices for these applications.

Related Standards

For a comprehensive understanding and implementation of thyristor-related devices and components, consider these related IEC standards:

• IEC 60747-1:2006 – Semiconductor devices: General definitions and test requirements applicable across various semiconductor families.
• Other parts of the IEC 60747 series which cover discrete devices like diodes, transistors, and integrated circuits used alongside thyristors in power electronics.
• Standards governing thermal management, electrical safety, and environmental testing to complement device performance criteria.
• Industry-specific standards that impose additional requirements on semiconductor devices for sectors like automotive, renewable energy, or industrial machinery.

Keywords: IEC 60747-6, thyristors standard, semiconductor devices, discrete thyristors, triacs, turn-off thyristors, electrical characteristics, ratings and test methods, power electronics components, IEC standards.