Talk:Peak inverse voltage

I think this article is incorrect. It defines Peak Inverse Voltage (PIV) as the maximum reverse voltage reached during normal operation of a diode. I have always understood that PIV refers to the breakdown voltage, as described on the diode page. Biscuittin 13:56, 14 August 2007 (UTC)


 * Yes. That seems to be the case. — Omegatron 04:57, 6 September 2007 (UTC)

This article is factually correct, open Sedra Smith or Millman Grabel, PIV is defined usually for Rectifiers and are used to specify the max negative voltage the rectifier will have to handle for a particular input circuit. Usually the rectifier is used with a breakdown voltage about 150% of PIV. --TvKimi 12:12, 7 September 2007 (UTC)

Also as i am taking this course this sem, i am pretty sure about it, hence i nominate removal of disputed accuracy tag. --TvKimi 15:19, 8 September 2007 (UTC)


 * Can you provide a reference? Page numbers, etc. — Omegatron 01:42, 11 September 2007 (UTC)

Page 180, Microelectronic Circuits, Sedra and Smith, FOURTH Edition (I dont know the page no. in fifth edition as i dont have that)

"In selecting diodes for rectifier design, two important parameters must be specified : the current handling capability of diode, determined by the largest current the diode is expected to conduct, and the peak inverse voltage, that the diode must be able to withstand without breakdown, determined by the largest reverse voltage that is expected to appear across the diode...."

"It is usually prudent to select a diode that has reverse breakdown voltage atleast 50% greater than the expected PIV"

--TvKimi 04:38, 12 September 2007 (UTC)

Removed Accuracy tag as there was no objection to its removal. —Preceding unsigned comment added by TvKimi (talk • contribs) 10:56, 22 September 2007 (UTC)

— Omegatron 13:25, 22 September 2007 (UTC)
 * " Peak Reverse Voltage or Peak Inverse Voltage is the maximum voltage that a diode can withstand in the reverse direction without breaking down and starting to conduct. If this voltage is exceeded the diode may be destroyed. Diodes must have a Peak Inverse Voltage rating that is higher than the maximum voltage that will be applied to them when reverse biased."
 * "If the applied reverse-bias voltage becomes too great, the diode will experience a condition known as breakdown (Figure below), which is usually destructive. A diode's maximum reverse-bias voltage rating is known as the Peak Inverse Voltage, or PIV, and may be obtained from the manufacturer."
 * "VRRM - Peak Repetitive Reverse Voltage - 50 V" and graph of "RATED PEAK REVERSE VOLTAGE" 1N4001 datasheet
 * "Repetitive peak reverse voltage: max. 100 V" 1N4148 datasheet
 * "Peak Inverse Voltage" (Symbol: PIV) - 90 Volts http://www.datasheet 4u.com/download.php?id=504538 1N191 datasheet
 * "The thyristor was chosen with a high peak inverse voltage (PIV) as a safeguard against damage by a possible high voltage transient."