Secrets Of The Datasheet: What Rectifier Specs Really Mean

by Jos van Loo, Taiwan Semiconductor Europe, Zorneding, Germany and Kevin Parmenter, Taiwan Semiconductor America, Chandler, Ariz., How2Power Today, Sep 16 2019

Focus:
To minimize field returns and achieve zero defects when designing with rectifiers, designers need a good understanding of rectifier manufacturing processes, test programs and statistics. Datasheets are not always helpful in this regard because some rectifiers and datasheets are 30 to 50 years old and in general rectifier datasheets follow outmoded conventions. This article discusses the key specifications that designers must consider when selecting standard silicon rectifiers and bridge rectifiers, and explains how semiconductor manufacturers test and then specify these parameters. This in turn leads to advice on how designers should interpret or apply this data. Discussion covers absolute maximum ratings such as surge current and breakdown voltage; related parameters such as I2t data and delta Vf; and maximum junction temperature, and the specs (thermal resistance and the forward current derating curve) designers use to calculate their junction temperatures. Guidance is provided on cross referencing rectifiers from different suppliers and how to evaluate device reliability. Issues such as leakage current, Cpk values and part average testing are also discussed.

What you’ll learn:

• How to interpret rectifier datasheets
• How to select standard silicon rectifiers and bridge rectifiers

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