by Jos van Loo, Taiwan Semiconductor Europe, Zorneding, Germany and Kevin Parmenter, Taiwan Semiconductor America, Chandler, Ariz., How2Power Today, Jan 17 2020
Focus:
When there are supply chain issues or a supplier designates parts for “end-of-life,” it may
become necessary to second source rectifiers. This article describes problems that can
occur when doing so and offers guidance on how to avoid these problems. Component testing
is necessary in many cases. But designers need to understand the suppliers’ manufacturing
processes, the device technology, how suppliers test and specify their datasheet
parameters, and the suppliers’ test programs and statistics, as explained in this article.
The article begins by discussing key rectifier parameters that apply to rectifiers in
general including surge current and breakdown voltage ratings, thermal ratings, leakage
current and avalanche rating. The article then goes into the details that apply when cross
referencing specific rectifier types such as bridge rectifiers, fast recovery and fast
efficient rectifiers, Schottky diodes, TVS diodes, small-signal products and zeners.
What you’ll learn:
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