Definition
The applied voltage at which a reverse-biased junction or semiconductor device enters electrical breakdown and its current increases sharply because the internal electric field has reached a critical level.
Application
Used as a key device rating for diodes, MOSFETs and other power or protection devices. Devices not intended for breakdown operation are kept below the rated limit with appropriate margin; Zener voltage regulators intentionally operate in reverse breakdown within their specified ratings.
Related search terms
Breakdown voltage; V(BR)
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Related concepts
Evidence and further reading
- Evidence from infineon.comhttps://www.infineon.com/dgdl/Infineon-ApplicationNote_Some_key_facts_about_avalanche-AN-v01_00-EN.pdf?fileId=5546d462584d1d4a0158ba0210977cde
- Evidence from assets.nexperia.comhttps://assets.nexperia.com/documents/brochure/Nexperia_document_book_DiodeApplicationHandbook_2022.pdf