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Diode Characteristics - Average Rectified Forward Current

F

firebird

Jan 1, 1970
0
Hi, I have a question regarding the typical diode characteristics on
datasheets from major manufacturers. Most contain characteristics such
as average rectified forward current (If), peak repetitive reverse
voltage, peak reverse voltage, forward surge current, repetitive surge
current, etc...However, I rarely see the conditions under which these
are obtained. For example, take the average rectified forward current
- what waveform is this an average of? what is the difference between
peak reverse voltage and reverse breakdown voltage, if any? I have
lots of other clarifications I am looking for, but I'll limit my
inquiry to these for now.

Thanks!
 
J

John Popelish

Jan 1, 1970
0
firebird said:
Hi, I have a question regarding the typical diode characteristics on
datasheets from major manufacturers. Most contain characteristics such
as average rectified forward current (If), peak repetitive reverse
voltage, peak reverse voltage, forward surge current, repetitive surge
current, etc...However, I rarely see the conditions under which these
are obtained.

If the diodes are not high speed devices, there is usually a tiny note
hidden at the bottom that specific that these numbers refer to half
wave AC line frequency rectification. The surge current usually
refers to a one half cycle test. The repetitive surge current usually
refers to the peak current into a capacitive filter (one peak per line
cycle, but happening many times).
For example, take the average rectified forward current
- what waveform is this an average of?

Usually half wave line frequency, resistive load.
what is the difference between
peak reverse voltage and reverse breakdown voltage, if any?

The peak reverse voltage rating is the highest safe operating
condition, while the breakdown voltage is something higher where the
reverse current reaches some danger zone. The second is onset of
failure, not a safe operating point.
I have
lots of other clarifications I am looking for, but I'll limit my
inquiry to these for now.

There are almost infinite variations, so next time, try to bring a
link to a specific data sheet for us to argue over.
 
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