Control Applications of the Transistor

This paper explores the possibilities of using the transistor for control functions which are, in present-day practice, performed by magnetic amplifiers, amplidynes, and thyratrons. It is found that a main transistor controlled by auxiliary transistors can be made to perform in a way resembling the phase-controlled rectifier. It can be energized from an ac power supply and it can be operated with an efficiency which approaches the rectifier. In several ways it is superior to the magnetic amplifier: It can carry current in both directions and it can serve as a two-way rectifier or a frequency changer. It is hoped that these possibilities will lead to development of transistors in larger units.