EE448 Spring 2021

Lecture#2 Dr. Abosalah Alsalmi

Diode Reverse Recovery Characteristics

After the forward diode current decays to zero, the diode continues to conduct in the reverse

direction because of the presence of stored charges in the two layers.

The reverse current ( ) flows for a time called reverse recovery time ( ).

The diode regains its blocking capability until reverse recovery current ( ) decays to zero.

The reverse recovery time is composed of two segments of time and .

= +

Fig. 1: Turn-off switching characteristics of diode

EE448 Spring 2021
Lecture#2 Dr. Abosalah Alsalmi

During time , charge stored in depletion region is removed.

During time , charge from two layers is removed.

The shaded area represents the stored charge or reverse recovery charge ( ) which must be

removed during reverse recovery time ( ).

• Peak Inverse Current:

The peak inverse current ( ) can be expressed as:-

= .

where, ≅ rate of change of reverse current.

• Stored charge:

The stored charge or reverse recovery charge is given by:-

= . . (1)

therefore:-
.
= (2)

If we assume that, ≅ then:-

= .

thus:-

.
= .

.
=
( )

.
∴ = (3)
( )
EE448 Spring 2021
Lecture#2 Dr. Abosalah Alsalmi

Also,

= . = 2. .( ) (4)

Based on equations 3 and 4:-

the reverse recovery time and peak inverse current are dependent on stored charge ( )

and rate of change of inverse current ( ). where depends on forward current ( ).

• Losses During Switching:-

!" $ %% = &'(( =) .

where, the major power loss in a diode occurs during time period .