The force commutation chopper circuit

A force commutated thyristor chopper is disclosed in which a single commutation inductor is coiipled in the free-wheeling path of the chopper together with a free­wheeling diode. The single inductor provides a chopper of relatively simple configuration in which main and commutator thyristors couple a commutation capacitor to opposite ends of the commutation inductor, and a charging diode is coupled in parallel with the commutator thyristor to facilitate charging of the commutation capacitor in opposite senses. The resulting circuit arrangement operates in a highly effective and efficient maimer, minimizes trapped energy and protects the various component parts thereof by preventing dangerously high current and voltage transients.