at a lower value of V_AK. By selecting an appropriate value of V_G, the thyristor can be switched into the on state quickly.

Once avalanche breakdown has occurred, the thyristor continues to conduct, irrespective of the gate voltage, until the potential V_AK is removed or the current through the device (anode-cathode) becomes less than the holding current specified by the manufacturer. Hence V_G can be a voltage pulse, such as the voltage output from a UJT relaxation oscillator.