VS-VSKJ91/16

Diodes are a fundamental element in modern electrical engineering and RF electronics. They are used to rectify or convert AC power into DC power, or to form a rectifier bridge to combine AC circuits. Further applications include the protection of sensitive circuits from over-voltage damage and the implementation of a circuit for peak current limiting. Diodes are used in the form of arrays, or packages, optimized for specific usage, such as with the VS-VSKJ91/16 package.

Application Fields

The VS-VSKJ91/16 package includes an integrated bridge rectifier network with four diodes interlinked to form a bridge circuit. This type of rectifier is particularly suited to AC circuits with a high ripple component, as the bridge rectifier acts to reduce the effect of ripple and provides a higher power rectangular output waveform. Additionally, as the component consists of four diodes arranged in a bridge, each diode is only half the power rating of an equivalent single diode, reducing heat generation within the component and reducing voltage drops.

Bridge rectifiers are used in power supplies, which feed high power electronics, automotive systems, AC to DC converters, uninterruptible power supplies and many other consumer and industries applications. The power rating of the component depends on the maximum ripple voltage, the peak voltage and peak current ratings. The maximum average current that can be handled is determined by the peak current rating and the ripple current rating of the component.

Working Principle

The working principle for the VS-VSKJ91/16 is based upon the Volt seconds principal. A diode begins to conduct current when its anode is more positive than its cathode by a certain amount—the so-called voltage drop or forward voltage (Vf) of the diode. This forward voltage is equivalent to the anode voltage minus the cathode voltage. When the anode voltage is made more positive than the cathode voltage by an amount equal to the forward voltage of the diode, the diode starts to conduct current. Once the diode is conducting current, it remains conducting until the voltage across it is reversed.

When the VS-VSKJ91/16 is used in a bridge rectifier, two of the diodes will be forward biased and conducting at any given time, while the remaining two will be reverse biased, prohibiting the passage of current regardless of voltage. Consequently, as the AC voltage reverses its polarity, each diode will switch between conducting and not, as the polarity of the AC voltage is detected.

Conclusion

The VS-VSKJ91/16 package is an ideal component for rectifying and controlling AC power, particularly in projects that require the use of an integrated bridge rectifier circuit. Being relatively low cost and featuring both low power and ripple voltage ratings, the component is ideal for applications ranging from consumer electronics through to industrial systems. As a result of the integrated design of the component, the power supply and rectification will be highly efficient and protected against over-voltage damage.