Reverse current

If a diode is operated in reverse direction, a small reverse current still flows through it . The reverse current density of a silicon diode is 10 ⁻¹¹ A / cm ² .

If the electrical voltage applied in the reverse direction ( reverse voltage ) exceeds the breakdown voltage , the reverse current increases dramatically, which in the case of standard rectifier diodes leads to their destruction. This effect is z. B. specifically exploited in Zener diodes .

swell

1. ↑ Sapoval, Hermann; Physics of Semiconductors; 2003; P. 208