# What exactly does this diode do? **URL:** \ **Category:** General Electronics\ **Created:** [June 15, 2021, 10:51pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/what-exactly-does-this-diode-do/875072 "2021-06-15T22:51:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Bjerknez](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/bjerknez/32/645919_2.png) [@Bjerknez](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/Bjerknez)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2021, 10:51pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/what-exactly-does-this-diode-do/875072/1 "2021-06-15T22:51:13Z")
I know that a diode only allow current/voltage go one way. I made this schematic for a long time ago, and i just do not remember the function of the diode in the chematic under. This is an general "Mosfet as relay" module. Can someone explain why that diode is important in this spesific circuit? ![image](https://europe1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/original/4X/d/a/f/dafc82334d8938d881986cad8d8c4656daa57e36.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![WattsThat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/aca169/32.png) [@WattsThat](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/WattsThat)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2021, 11:03pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/what-exactly-does-this-diode-do/875072/2 "2021-06-15T23:03:51Z")
Looks like a free wheeling diode for an inductive load connected to the “output” terminals. The GND2 symbol makes no sense as shown, adding to the confusion. ---
**Author:** ![Bjerknez](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/bjerknez/32/645919_2.png) [@Bjerknez](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/Bjerknez)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2021, 11:10pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/what-exactly-does-this-diode-do/875072/3 "2021-06-15T23:10:26Z")
Is the main reason for that diode to protect the mosfet for inductive load? ---
**Author:** ![Boffin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/d26b3c/32.png) [@Boffin](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/Boffin)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2021, 11:19pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/what-exactly-does-this-diode-do/875072/4 "2021-06-15T23:19:39Z")
Yes, this diode protects the MOSFET from self-induction emf when the inductive load is ~~disconnected~~ is switched off by the MOSFET. If the load is active, it is not needed. ---
**Author:** ![Bjerknez](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/bjerknez/32/645919_2.png) [@Bjerknez](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/Bjerknez)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2021, 11:21pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/what-exactly-does-this-diode-do/875072/5 "2021-06-15T23:21:34Z")
Thanks. Then, i understand 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Paul\_B](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/paul_b/32/216376_2.png) [@Paul\_B](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/Paul_B)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2021, 11:11am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/what-exactly-does-this-diode-do/875072/6 "2021-06-16T11:11:02Z")
> [@Boffin](#): > > this diode protects the MOSFET from self-induction emf when the inductive load is disconnected. No, not disconnected, but when it is **switched** off by the FET. If the inductive load is disconnected by parting the connector, it may cause an arc, but it will not apply a reverse voltage to the circuit. ---
**Author:** ![Boffin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/d26b3c/32.png) [@Boffin](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/Boffin)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2021, 11:43am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/what-exactly-does-this-diode-do/875072/7 "2021-06-16T11:43:27Z")
"Lost in translation" by Google Translator.🙂 Of course, "the inductive load is disconnected", should be read as "the inductive load is switched off by the MOSFET". Thank you. ---
**Author:** ![MarkT](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c89c15/32.png) [@MarkT](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/MarkT)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2021, 10:01am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/what-exactly-does-this-diode-do/875072/8 "2021-06-17T10:01:43Z")
> [@Paul\_B](#): > > If the inductive load is disconnected by parting the connector, it may cause an arc, but it will not apply a reverse voltage to the circuit. Actually arcs are very destructive, sometimes generating high levels of RF voltage, so it may apply a whole mess of alternating voltages, so both forward and reverse over-voltage can happen - a TVS diode or MOV might be needed to increase the protection against an arc - a freewheel diode isn't enough. ---
**Author:** ![Paul\_B](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/paul_b/32/216376_2.png) [@Paul\_B](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/Paul_B)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2021, 11:29am UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/what-exactly-does-this-diode-do/875072/9 "2021-06-17T11:29:52Z")
> [@MarkT](#): > > Actually arcs are very destructive, sometimes generating high levels of RF voltage, so it may apply a whole mess of alternating voltages But this is not going to be relevant here as this can only happen while the FET is switched on and "locking" the voltage at the output terminals to the supply voltage. 🙄 ---
**Author:** ![dlloyd](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/dlloyd/32/751911_2.png) [@dlloyd](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/dlloyd)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2021, 12:55pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/what-exactly-does-this-diode-do/875072/10 "2021-06-17T12:55:16Z")
Just to note that the MOSFET already has a body diode that'll protect it when switching inductive loads. You should probably remove the GND2 symbol (output pin2) as this is actually the switched output (LOAD) signal (see reply#2). Also, output pin 1 is actually +DC power. ---
**Author:** ![Smajdalf](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/smajdalf/32/1102076_2.png) [@Smajdalf](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/Smajdalf)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2021, 1:15pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/what-exactly-does-this-diode-do/875072/11 "2021-06-17T13:15:25Z")
> [@dlloyd](#): > > Just to note that the MOSFET already has a body diode that'll protect it when switching inductive loads. Sadly this is not true. Only in an H-bridge the other MOSFET may be used as a freewheeling diode. ---
**Author:** ![dlloyd](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/dlloyd/32/751911_2.png) [@dlloyd](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/dlloyd)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2021, 4:22pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/what-exactly-does-this-diode-do/875072/12 "2021-06-17T16:22:41Z")
Gladly, it really is true, that the body diode protects it (the MOSFET). I didn't say to remove the IN4007 which is still needed in this low-side switching application. ---
**Author:** ![Smajdalf](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/smajdalf/32/1102076_2.png) [@Smajdalf](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/Smajdalf)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2021, 6:57pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/what-exactly-does-this-diode-do/875072/13 "2021-06-17T18:57:13Z")
How does the body diode protect the MOSFET? By avalanche breakdown? Or you mean different schematic than OP? ---
**Author:** ![Geek\_Emeritus](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/geek_emeritus/32/238995_2.png) [@Geek\_Emeritus](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/Geek_Emeritus)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2021, 7:12pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/what-exactly-does-this-diode-do/875072/14 "2021-06-17T19:12:41Z")
also known as a commutating diode. people get weird about this, it has multiple names and people believe the name they heard first is THE name. ---
**Author:** ![SteveThackery](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/96bed5/32.png) [@SteveThackery](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/SteveThackery)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2021, 7:16pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/what-exactly-does-this-diode-do/875072/15 "2021-06-17T19:16:56Z")
> [@dlloyd](#): > > Gladly, it really is true, that the body diode protects it (the MOSFET). I didn't say to remove the IN4007 which is still needed in this low-side switching application. I'm puzzled. How does the body diode protect the MOSFET? ---
**Author:** ![dlloyd](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/dlloyd/32/751911_2.png) [@dlloyd](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/dlloyd)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2021, 7:58pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/what-exactly-does-this-diode-do/875072/16 "2021-06-17T19:58:07Z")
Reverse spikes (connecting or disconnecting the inductive load or power or operating with defective external flyback diode). ---
**Author:** ![Boffin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/d26b3c/32.png) [@Boffin](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/Boffin)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2021, 8:12pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/what-exactly-does-this-diode-do/875072/17 "2021-06-17T20:12:05Z")
I am not claiming anything, just a quote. > The problem can arise when an inductive load is used at the drain side of the device, and during the MOSFET switch OFF periods the inductor's reverse EMF passing through the MOSFET body diode becomes too high, causing a sudden rise in the MOSFET's junction temperatures, and its breakdown. ---
**Author:** ![SteveThackery](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/96bed5/32.png) [@SteveThackery](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/SteveThackery)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2021, 9:09pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/what-exactly-does-this-diode-do/875072/18 "2021-06-17T21:09:30Z")
> [@dlloyd](#): > > Reverse spikes (connecting or disconnecting the inductive load or power or operating with defective external flyback diode). I still don't understand. An inductive load doesn't create a reverse EMF over the switching transistor, it creates the reverse EMF over the inductor itself. At the transistor, this looks like a high _forward_ EMF. Assuming a positive supply and a low-side switch, the inductor creates a very high _positive_ voltage (higher than Vcc) at the drain/collector when the transistor is switched off. With a high-side switch, the inductor creates a high _negative_ voltage (lower than GND) at the emitter/source. In both cases this _reverse biases_ the internal diode. That is why, when a switching transistor needs protection, the protection diode is never connected across the transistor, it is connected across the load. A diode across the transistor does nothing to protect it. This is very well known. ---
**Author:** ![LarryD](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/arduino/user_avatar/forum.arduino.cc/larryd/32/215550_2.png) [@LarryD](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/LarryD)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2021, 9:16pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/what-exactly-does-this-diode-do/875072/19 "2021-06-17T21:16:01Z")
@SteveThackery What you say is correct. ---
**Author:** ![Boffin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/d26b3c/32.png) [@Boffin](https://forum.arduino.cc/u/Boffin)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2021, 9:21pm UTC](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/what-exactly-does-this-diode-do/875072/20 "2021-06-17T21:21:51Z")
It is known that a flyback diode connected in parallel with an inductive load reduces the self-induction emf to the level of the forward voltage drop across the diode and somewhat slows down the current decrease. This is a well-known practice that has been in use for decades. What is there to argue about is unclear. [Next page](https://forum.arduino.cc/t/what-exactly-does-this-diode-do/875072.md?page=2)