What is the purpose of a flyback diode?
1 Answer
The purpose of a flyback diode (also known as a freewheeling diode or snubber diode) is to provide a path for the current to circulate in an inductive load circuit when the power supply to that load is suddenly interrupted. This is commonly encountered in circuits that contain inductive components such as motors, relays, solenoids, and transformers.
When an inductive load is energized and current flows through it, it stores energy in its magnetic field. When the power supply is abruptly disconnected or turned off, the magnetic field collapses rapidly, inducing a reverse voltage across the inductive load. This sudden change in voltage can result in a high-voltage spike that can damage sensitive electronic components in the circuit.
The flyback diode is connected in parallel with the inductive load, but in the opposite direction of the current flow. When the power supply is disconnected, the diode provides a low-resistance path for the circulating current, allowing the stored energy in the inductor to dissipate harmlessly through the diode. This prevents the voltage spike and protects the rest of the circuit from potential damage.
The flyback diode is typically a fast-recovery diode with characteristics suitable for handling the transient currents that occur during the inductive load's energy dissipation. It is a simple and effective way to protect electronic components and ensure the safe operation of circuits with inductive loads.
When an inductive load is energized and current flows through it, it stores energy in its magnetic field. When the power supply is abruptly disconnected or turned off, the magnetic field collapses rapidly, inducing a reverse voltage across the inductive load. This sudden change in voltage can result in a high-voltage spike that can damage sensitive electronic components in the circuit.
The flyback diode is connected in parallel with the inductive load, but in the opposite direction of the current flow. When the power supply is disconnected, the diode provides a low-resistance path for the circulating current, allowing the stored energy in the inductor to dissipate harmlessly through the diode. This prevents the voltage spike and protects the rest of the circuit from potential damage.
The flyback diode is typically a fast-recovery diode with characteristics suitable for handling the transient currents that occur during the inductive load's energy dissipation. It is a simple and effective way to protect electronic components and ensure the safe operation of circuits with inductive loads.