Absolute maximum ratings are the maximum values that must not be exceeded even momentarily to guarantee the life and reliability of the device. It mainly regulates voltage, current, temperature, etc.
Significance of maximum ratings
For diodes, the maximum allowable current, reverse voltage, power dissipation, and other characteristics are specified as maximum ratings.
In circuit design using semiconductors, understanding maximum ratings is very important in order to obtain the best performance from devices and maintain device reliability throughout the target operating life.
In order to guarantee the product life and reliability of devices, absolute maximum ratings must not be exceeded even instantaneously. Maximum rated values are determined by the materials, chip size, package, device design, and manufacturing conditions. For diodes, the maximum ratings in datasheets etc. are the absolute maximum ratings.
They are specified at an ambient temperature of 25°C unless otherwise specified.
Voltage ratings
Current ratings
Temperature ratings
Other characteristics
*1: Insulated package in which the entire package is covered with mold resin
An example of absolute maximum rating items in diode technical data is shown below.
Characteristics | Symbol | Rating | Unit |
---|---|---|---|
Repetitive peak reverse voltage | VRRM | 400 | V |
Average forward current (Note 1) | IF(AV) | 0.4 | A |
Non-repetitive peak forward surge current (Note 2) | IFSM | 8 | A |
Forward pulse current (Note 3) | IFP | 14 | A |
Junction temperature | Tj | 150 | °C |
Storage temperature | Tstg | -55 to 150 | °C |
Note: Using continuously under heavy loads (e.g. the application of high temperature/current/voltage and the significant change in temperature, etc.) may cause this product to decrease in the reliability significantly even if the operating conditions (i.e. operating temperature/current/voltage, etc.) are within the absolute maximum ratings.
Please design the appropriate reliability upon reviewing the Toshiba Semiconductor Reliability Handbook ("Handling Precautions"/"Derating Concept and Methods") and individual reliability data (i.e. reliability test report and estimated failure rate, etc).
Note 1: Ta = 114 °C, device mounted on a ceramic board, Half sine waveform (α = 180°),
(board size: 50 mm x 50 mm, soldering land size: 2 mm x 2 mm, board thickness: 0.64 mm)
Note 2: f = 50 Hz, half-sine wave, non-repetitive
Note 3: t = 1ms, Rectangular wave
In addition, some diodes have individual maximum ratings. See the application note below for details.
For products, please refer to the following links.