G
Gloria West
- Jan 1, 1970
- 0
I see that avalanche diodes have a "knee" in the reverse-bias region when you
look at the V-I characteristics.
What is the "knee" voltage? I see ratings of maximum reverse voltage and
current for the diode, but nowhere is it mentioned at what voltage the diode
starts to conduct in the reverse bias direction.
For example:
<http://www.datasheetcatalog.org/datasheet/vishay/86049.pdf>
Another Q:
If used to protect a thyristor, for example, is the avalanche diode installed
reverse polarity compared to a standard rectifier (ie, 1N400x)? (since the
avalanche diode is conducting current in the reverse direction and the
rectifier is conducting in the forward direction).
Another Q:
Why use an avalanche diode rather than a rectifier of similar max voltage &
current & recovery speed to protect a thyristor? Is it that the avalanche
diode will work less hard because it will not conduct below its operating
voltage (fairly high, I'm guessing), whereas the rectifier conducts above
~0.7v?
Thank you.
look at the V-I characteristics.
What is the "knee" voltage? I see ratings of maximum reverse voltage and
current for the diode, but nowhere is it mentioned at what voltage the diode
starts to conduct in the reverse bias direction.
For example:
<http://www.datasheetcatalog.org/datasheet/vishay/86049.pdf>
Another Q:
If used to protect a thyristor, for example, is the avalanche diode installed
reverse polarity compared to a standard rectifier (ie, 1N400x)? (since the
avalanche diode is conducting current in the reverse direction and the
rectifier is conducting in the forward direction).
Another Q:
Why use an avalanche diode rather than a rectifier of similar max voltage &
current & recovery speed to protect a thyristor? Is it that the avalanche
diode will work less hard because it will not conduct below its operating
voltage (fairly high, I'm guessing), whereas the rectifier conducts above
~0.7v?
Thank you.