The SCR, TRIAC, BJT, IGBT, and MOSFET are more than just technical acronyms; they are the fundamental components that act as the electronic switches and controllers for electrical power. Each device possesses a unique set of characteristics—from the high-power ruggedness of an SCR to the high-speed efficiency of a MOSFET—that makes it suitable for specific applications. Understanding these unique characteristics is the first step to understanding how modern power electronic systems—from the charger for your phone to the drivetrain in an electric vehicle—are able to control electrical energy so effectively.