Wouter van Ooijen wrote: >>> Sideline: does a diode spec mention a maximum *forward* voltage? >> >> No, but a maximum forward current. As long as you stay below that, the >> forward voltage is in normal ranges. > > In a static situation yes, but the issue here was that the forward > voltage might rise so fast that the diode does not have time to turn on > so you'd get a large forward voltage which might destroy the diode. I > doubt the reality of this scenario, but it is what (this part of) the > discussion was about. I understand. But I don't think this is usually specified. As Spehro says, they often specify the forward voltage at a number of (static) forward currents. The only dynamic characteristic that I think is commonly specified is capacitance in reverse and reverse recovery. But they actually specify the maximum forward voltage (at a certain current) in maximum ratings sections. We probably could conclude from this that going over this in a dynamic situation takes the diode out of the specified operating range. Gerhard -- http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist