Diode ratings – How to understand a diode datasheet?

Datasheets released by diode manufacturers contain a number of diode ratings. In order to select diodes for an application, it is important to understand all the ratings listed in the…

What is PIV rating in a diode?

PIV stands for 'Peak Inverse Voltage'. It refers to the maximum reverse bias voltage a semiconductor diode or other semiconductor devices can withstand without damaging themselves. The peak inverse voltage…

Hysteresis loss and Eddy current loss and their difference

In electric machines, a varying magnetic field causes eddy currents in all metallic parts and hysteresis in ferromagnetic core. The losses caused due to eddy currents are known as eddy…

PN Junction Diodes

What is a diode? A diode is an electrical component that allows the current to flow in only one particular direction. Diodes are made up of silicon and germanium. They…

Zener diodes – Operation, Symbol and V-I Characteristics

What are zener diodes? Zener diodes are silicon semiconductor devices that can allow the passage of current in both forward and reverse directions. Unlike p-n junction diodes, they are designed…

Difference between resistance and impedance

When we speak about DC electricity, resistance is the term used to refer to opposition to current flow whereas impedance is the term used in AC electricity. Impedance is basically…

Difference between EMF and Voltage

The difference between EMF and voltage is that the EMF is the potential difference measured across a power source without a load connected to it whereas voltage is the potential…

Difference between volts and amps | Volts vs amps

Volts and amps or ampere are two measures of electricity. Specifically, voltage is the measure of electric potential difference between two points whereas ampere is the measure of electric current.…

Differences between resistance and resistivity

Understanding the differences between resistance and resistivity is very important as they are closely related. This article aims to bring you clarity on resistance and resistivity by comparing each of…

Parallel operation of transformers – Connection & 5 conditions for perfect operation

In order to supply loads exceeding the rating of an existing transformer, two or more transformers are connected in parallel to the existing one. The parallel operation of transformers facilitates…