Do you need to know the specifications of a diode?
Diodes may appear straightforward but they have many data-sheet specifications, parameters and ratings which need to be understood when selecting one as a replacement, or for a new electronic circuit design.
What is leakage current characteristic of PN junction diode?
The leakage current characteristic or specification for a PN junction diode is specified at a certain reverse voltage and particular temperature. The specification is normally defined in terms of in microamps, µA or picoamps, pA as the levels are normally very low before reverse breakdown occurs.
How are current levels determined in power rectification diodes?
Particularly for power rectification diodes, a graph of the forward voltage drop for various current levels is normally provided within the data sheet. This will have a band of typical figures and using this the range of voltage drop can be determined for the anticipated current levels to be carried.
Why is the forward voltage drop important in a diode?
This figure is particularly important for rectifier diodes where significant levels of current may be passed. Particularly for power rectification diodes, a graph of the forward voltage drop for various current levels is normally provided within the data sheet.
What are the important specifications of the diode?
If your need is for a rectifier in a switch mode power supply, fast reverse recovery time, high current, and low forward voltage might be the critical parameters. If it is for a snubber diode used with a relay or solenoid, the most important parameter is fast turn-on time.
How does a power diode convert AC to DC?
A power diode is a crystalline semiconductor device, made primarily of silicon, used mainly to convert alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC), a process known as rectification. Power Diodes work as a one way valve, by conducting current in one direction (the forward direction) while preventing flow in the other direction.
Particularly for power rectification diodes, a graph of the forward voltage drop for various current levels is normally provided within the data sheet. This will have a band of typical figures and using this the range of voltage drop can be determined for the anticipated current levels to be carried.
What is the reverse recovery characteristic of a power diode?
This voltage may also be called peak inverse voltage (PIV). The figure depicts the reverse recovery characteristic of a power diode. Whenever the diode is switched off the current decays from I F to zero and further continues in reverse direction owing to the charges stored in the space charge region and the semiconductor region.