Hi Guys
The last GTO Thyristors I saw were used in the old Sony 191/192 series TV's. As far as I know, they are obsolete parts and not worth investigating/studying.
As far as I can recall, GTO's became way too expensive to manufacture. And were hence dropped worldwide.
Nice idea though
In the case of 191/192 tv's....an absolute nightmare for Techs..
Because the GTO's were obsolete already in 2001..we were given an alternate circuit to use by Head Office. ONLY Genuine Phillips BUW11A transistors did the job....with modifications....and procedures for start up etc...almost like starting up a Nuclear Reactor...
If you did not follow the Mod procedures and steps to the letter as a Tech repairing the set...all blew up. Badly. Short cuts always ended in tears and MUCH more work than was initially needed.
Suffice to say, all bailed out. I think I fixed the last 191/192 I believe here in SA. How long it lasted with the Mod I don't know. Some lasted yonks. Others failed quickly. It all depended on how thorough you were with repairing the
original blow up with GTO's before the Mod.
Those were the days. Thank God TV's don't use GTO's anymore.
But DAMN....the Sony Trinitron had the very best picture back then when working properly. That is why I put in the extra effort
Regards,
tvtech