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0066_Frame_C20 Page 16 Wednesday, January 9, 2002 5:41 PM

TABLE 20.3 Typical Diode Properties
Maximum
Maximum Voltage Drop at Maximum Reverse Junction
Average Forward Maximum Average Peak Forward Breakdown Temperature
Relative Power Current [A] Forward Current [V] Current [A] Voltage [V] [°C]
Low 1 0.8 30 1000 175
Medium 12 0.6 240 1000 200
High 100 0.6 1600 1000 200
Very High 1000 1.1 10,000 2000 200
Source: T. Wildi, Electrial Machines, Drivers and Power Systems, Prentice Hall, 2000.

FIGURE 20.23 Analogy between diodes and check valves.

FIGURE 20.24 Common diode applications.

For switching applications, the reverse-recovery time is another important design parameter. The
reverse-recovery time imposes an upper bound on the frequency at which the diode can be switched on
and off. Attempts to operate a diode above this frequency will result in a decrease in switching efficiency
and may cause severe overheating.
Diodes are widely used in electronic power circuits. They are most widely used for rectification and peak
detection. Figure 20.24 illustrates some of the common diode applications. If multiple diodes are to be

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