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Inductive “Kick”
The circuit shown below illustrates a common application of a
diode to reduce current arcs (mini-lightning bolts) between the
switch contacts when the switch is open.
switch
Vs
Inductive Load
Switching Waveform
Current of Diode
Current of Load
Voltage of Switch
• After the switch is open, the current of the
inductor can’t decrease to zero suddenly.
• After the switch is open, the current of the
inductor will flow from the diode.
• The maximum voltage of the switch is just
equal to the voltage of source.
Inductive “Kick”
Without the diodes, the current of inductor will have no way to
flow. So it will cause voltage spike of the switch. That will cause
the damage of the switch
Switching Waveform