GATE EE 2014 Set 1 — Question 35
Go beyond PYQs with Success TrackerAI-powered personalised practice and doubt support. Unlimited practice on eligible plans; AI usage limits apply.MCQ+1 / -0.33MediumMOSFET & IGBT CharacteristicsPower Semiconductor DevicesPower Electronics
Power Electronics → Power Semiconductor Devices → MOSFET & IGBT Characteristics
Last updated
Question
Figure shows four electronic switches (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv). Which of the switches can block voltages of either polarity (applied between terminals ‘a’ and ‘b’) when the active device is in the OFF state?
Correct answer
(C) (ii) and (iii)
Solution
In power electronics, devices that can block voltages of both polarities in the OFF state are called symmetric blocking devices.
1.Switch (i): A transistor (IGBT/MOSFET) with an anti-parallel diode. It can block forward voltage but the diode conducts in reverse. Thus, it blocks only one polarity.
2.Switch (ii): A transistor in series with a diode. The diode blocks reverse voltage, and the transistor blocks forward voltage when OFF. This configuration blocks both polarities.
3.Switch (iii): A GTO (Gate Turn-Off thyristor) or SCR. These are inherently symmetric blocking devices (unless they are of the asymmetric type, but the standard symbol implies blocking capability in both directions).
4.Switch (iv): Two transistors with anti-parallel diodes connected in anti-parallel. This is a bidirectional conducting switch. In the OFF state, one of the diodes will always be forward-biased depending on the polarity of , so it cannot block both polarities.
Therefore, switches (ii) and (iii) can block voltages of either polarity.Continue learning with Success Tracker
A step still unclear? Work through it with support
Use Success Tracker to ask about the reasoning, then try another GATE EE question to check your understanding.
AI-powered practice· Unlimited practice on eligible plans
- PYQs with solutions
- Attempt available previous-year questions, then compare your reasoning with the worked solution. Coverage varies by stream.
- Practice that adapts
- Choose a topic, work on weaker areas and bookmark questions to revisit. Your attempts feed your progress tracking.
- AI doubt support
- Ask follow-up questions about a step or concept while practising, instead of stopping at the final answer.
Unlimited practice is available on eligible plans. Free practice and AI usage have limits; check the current plan allowances before choosing.
This page stays readable without an account. AI responses can be wrong; check them against the solution and source material.
More questions on Power Semiconductor Devices
2026 Set 1 Q27The figure shows a straight-line approximation for the forward characteristics of a power diode. A…2026 Set 1 Q28Consider the circuit shown in Figure (a). A gate pulse is applied between time instants …2026 Set 1 Q34Consider the circuit shown. Assume that the diode is ideal. The supply voltage…2026 Set 1 Q47Consider the single-phase voltage source inverter circuit feeding an inductive load (). Assume…2026 Set 1 Q48Consider the boost converter circuit shown. Assume that the semiconductor devices are ideal. In…