Turn-Off of Conducting Device
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Commutation is the process of transferring current away from a conducting power semiconductor so that its current falls below the required holding value and the device turns off. In line-commutated circuits the AC source provides this naturally; in forced commutation an auxiliary network produces the required current/voltage condition.

Commutation is fundamentally a current-transfer/turn-off process.
Do not confuse commutation with gate triggering, which initiates conduction.
Commutation is fundamentally a current-transfer/turn-off process.