What is the term for the maximum reverse potential difference a diode can withstand?

The maximum reverse potential difference a diode can withstand is referred to as peak inverse voltage (PIV). This term defines the highest voltage that can be applied in the reverse direction without causing the diode to break down or become damaged.

Diodes are designed to conduct current primarily in one direction; however, if a reverse voltage exceeding the PIV is applied, the diode can enter a breakdown region, which may lead to excessive current flow and potentially destroy the diode. Understanding PIV is crucial for ensuring that diodes are used within their safe operating limits in electronic circuits, which prevents failures and maintains circuit integrity.

In contrast, forward voltage refers to the voltage required to turn a diode on in the forward bias direction, peak forward current deals with the maximum current a diode can handle in the forward direction, and reverse saturation current refers to the small amount of current that flows through a diode when it is reverse-biased, which is often negligible in comparison to the current under forward bias conditions. Each of these terms addresses different attributes of diode behavior but does not specifically define the maximum reverse voltage threshold like peak inverse voltage does.