McMurray full-bridge inverter – device count In a classic McMurray full-bridge inverter implementation, how many thyristors and diodes are typically used in the main power circuit?

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: 8 thyristors and 4 diodes

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
McMurray family inverters employ forced commutation networks. The full-bridge version duplicates the half-bridge commutation legs, increasing the device count to realize bidirectional load voltage with reliable commutation.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Classic McMurray full-bridge (not McMurray-Bedford variant).
  • Symmetrical commutation in both legs.


Concept / Approach:

A half-bridge McMurray stage uses a commutation pair per leg. Converting to a full bridge doubles the number of controlled devices while adding clamp/feedback diodes for energy recovery. A typical arrangement ends up with eight thyristors and four diodes in the main bridge paths, with auxiliary commutation components (capacitors, inductors) not counted here as “diodes”.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Half-bridge: 4 SCRs + 2 diodes.Full-bridge: two such legs → 8 SCRs + 4 diodes.


Verification / Alternative check:

Reference topologies for McMurray full bridge show duplicated commutation legs yielding the cited device count.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • 4-device answers correspond to half-bridge or simpler bridges.
  • 8 thyristors and 8 diodes overstates the diode count for the basic scheme.


Common Pitfalls:

Mixing McMurray and McMurray-Bedford counts or including auxiliary recovery diodes differently from main path diodes.


Final Answer:

8 thyristors and 4 diodes

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