During operation, a thyristor's anode A and cathode K are connected to the power supply and load, forming the thyristor's main circuit. The thyristor's gate G and cathode K are connected to the device that controls the thyristor, forming the thyristor's control circuit.

The most basic use of a conventional thyristor is controlled rectification. The so-called controllable type is a semi-thyristor. The familiar diode rectifier circuit is an uncontrolled rectifier circuit. Replacing the diode with a thyristor creates a controlled rectifier circuit.

Due to their small size, thyristors are widely used in industrial and other fields, and cost is a major factor in their application.
As shown in the figure, T is a 380V/12V transformer, which converts 380V AC into half-wave rectification to power relay K.

Pressing the start button SBT causes K to energize, and motor M starts. Pressing the stop button SBP causes K to de-energize, releasing the control current from VTH to VTH6, and stopping M. FU1 and FU2 are fuses used to protect transformer T and other components.
PE is the protective ground wire, connected to the motor's metal casing to protect personnel and equipment.