Constant-current diode: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 17:30, 26 April 2020

Revision as of 19:25, 3 August 2020

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[[File:Current limiting diode symbol.svg|thumb|80px|Electric symbol]]

A '''Constantconstant-current diode''' is an electronic device that limits current to a maximal specified value for the device. It is known as a '''current-limiting diode''' ('''CLD'''), or '''current-regulating diode''' ('''CRD''').

[[File:Current limiting diode - internal structure.svg|thumb|150px|Internal structure]]

TheseIt diodes consistconsists of an n-channel [[JFET]] with the gate shorted to the source, which functions like a two-terminal current limiter or [[current source]] (analogous to a voltage-limiting [[Zener diode]]). It They allowallows a current through themit to rise to a certain value, and then level off at a specific value. Unlike Zener diodes, these diodes keep the current constant instead of the voltage constant. These devices keep the current flowing through them unchanged when the voltage changes.

Note that some devices are unidirectional and voltage across the device must have only one polarity for it to operate as a CLD, whereas other devices are bidirectional and can operate properly in either polarity.

[[Wide-bandgap semiconductor|Wide-bandgap materials]] such as [[silicon carbide]] have been used in production devices to enable high-voltage applications in the kilovolt range.<ref>{{cite web |title=CALY Technologies SiC CLD devices |url=https://caly-technologies.com/sic-products/sic-protection-devices/sic-current-limiting-devices-cld |website=[[CALY Technologies]] |accessdate=26 April 2020}}</ref>