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What Is A Flyback Diode or Freewheeling Diode and It's Applications

Author: Apogeeweb Date: 17 Jan 2020  17902

flyback diode relay

Ⅰ Introduction

Flyback Diodes, which are also known as freewheeling diodes, generally refer to diodes that are inversely paralleled across the ends of energy storage elements such as inductors, relays, and thyristors. When a voltage or current changes suddenly in a circuit, it protects other components in the circuit. When using a flyback diode, the circuit current can be changed more gently to avoid the occurrence of voltage spike. This article will introduce in detail what is flyback diode, how freewheeling diode works, flyback diode selection and the flyback diode function.

How Freewheeling Diode Works

Catalog

Ⅰ Introduction

Ⅱ Design

Ⅲ How It Works?

Ⅳ Selection

Ⅴ Applications

5.1 Summary

5.2 In Forward Switching Power Supply

5.3 In Converter Technology

5.4 In Unidirectional Half Wave Silicon Control Rectifier Circuit

5.5 In BUCK Circuit

Ⅵ Something Has to Care


In electronics, a flyback voltage or an inductive flyback is a voltage spike created by an Inductor when its power supply is removed abruptly. The reason for this voltage spike is the fact that there cannot be an instant change to the current flowing through an Inductor.

In addition, time constant of the inductor determines the rate at which the current can change through an inductor. This is similar to the time constant of a capacitor, which determines the rate at which its voltage can change.

The freewheeling diode is named because it plays the role of freewheeling in the circuit. It is generally used in the circuit to protect components from being damaged or burned out by voltage breakdown, connected in parallel to both ends of the elements that generate the induced electromotive force(EMF), and form a loop with them, so that the high electromotive force generated in the loop is consumed by the continuous current method, thereby protecting the components in the circuits.

Flyback diodes are connected in parallel at both ends of the coil. When the current passes through the coil, it will generate induced electromotive force at both ends. When the current disappears, its induced electromotive force generates a reverse voltage to the components in the circuit. When the reverse voltage is higher than the reverse breakdown voltage of the elements, it will cause damage to the elements such as triode and thyristor. When the current flowing through the coil disappears, the induced electromotive force generated by the coil is consumed by the work formed by the diode and the coil, thereby protecting the other elements in the circuit.

Ⅱ Design

In the following figure, it is showed that a flyback diode is placed across the inductor. An ideal flyback diode will have a very large peak forward current; capacity which helps in handling the voltage transients from damaging the diode, and inductor’s power supply is suited for reverse breakdown voltage and low forward voltage drop. Voltage spike can be 10times to the voltage of power supply which depends on the equipment involved and the application. So it is understood that not to underestimate the energy which contain within an energized inductor.

flyback diode 

Figure 1. Flyback Diode

For an ideal flyback diode selection, a diode which has very large peak forward current capacity (to handle voltage transients without burning out the diode) should be selected, moreover, low forward voltage drop, and a reverse breakdown voltage fitted the inductor's power supply. Depending on the application and equipment in real requirement, some voltage surges can be upwards of 10 times the voltage of the power source, so it is critical not to underestimate the energy contained within an energized inductor.

Flyback Diode Selection Note You Should Know

When used with a DC coil relay, a flyback diode can cause delayed drop-out of the contacts when power is turned off, due to the continued circulation of current in the relay coil and diode. When rapid opening of the contacts is important, a small value resistor can be placed in series with the diode to help dissipate the coil energy faster, at the expense of higher voltage at the switch.

Schottky diodes are preferred in flyback diode applications as switching power converters, because they have the lowest forward drop (~0.2V rather than >0.7V for low currents) and are able to quickly respond to reverse bias (when the inductor is being re-energized). They therefore dissipate less energy while transferring energy from the inductor to a capacitor.

When the flyback diode is used to simply dissipate the inductive energy, as with a solenoid or electric motor, cheap 1N540x and 1N400x general-purpose diodes are used instead.

 

Ⅲ How It Works?

Flyback diodes are often used with energy storage elements to prevent sudden changes in voltage and current to provide a pathway. The inductor can provide continuous current to the load through it to avoid sudden changes in load current and smooth the current. In the switching power supply, you can see a freewheeling circuit composed of a diode and a resistor connected in series, which is connected in parallel with the primary side of the transformer. When the switch is turned off, the freewheeling circuit can release the energy stored in the transformer coil to prevent the induced voltage from being too large and breakdown the switch. Generally, it is often to choose the fast recovery diode or the Schottky diode as flyback diode.

  • Circuit Expressions

flyback diode in switching power supply circuit 

Figure 2. Flyback Diode in Switching Power Supply Circuit

In Figure 2(c), when KR is turned on, the upper is positive voltage and the lower is negative voltage,  and the current direction is from top to bottom. When the VT is turned off, the current in the KR is suddenly interrupted and an induced potential is generated. The current direction is kept constant, that is, keeping the KR current direction from the top to bottom, which based on the Lenz's law. The induced potential and the power supply voltage are superimposed and applied across the VT, making it easy for the VT to breakdown. To avoid it, VD is used to short-circuit the induced potential generated by KR, that is, The current flows clockwise in the small circuits of the diodes and relays to protect the VT. R and C in Figure 2(b) also use the principle that the voltage on C cannot be abruptly changed to absorb the induced potential.

In short, the flyback diode is connected in parallel to the relay or the inductor at both ends of the circuit. When the inductor is powered off, the electromotive force at both ends does not disappear immediately. At this time, the residual electromotive force is released through a freewheeling diode to reverse the reverse generated by the coil (the EMF is consumed in the form of current). It can be seen that the freewheeling diode is not a substantial component, but plays a "freewheeling" role in the circuit.

For example, reversely connect a flyback diode at both ends of a relay coil or at both ends of a unidirectional thyristor. In practice, electromagnetic relays are usually controlled by triodes or MOS tubes to achieve automatic control of electrical loads (such as through a single-chip microcomputer), and the coil of the relay is a large inductance, which can store electrical energy in the form of a magnetic field. So when it pulls in, it stores a lot of magnetic field. When the triode controlling the relay changes from on to off, the coil is powered off, but there is a magnetic field in the coil. At this time, the back electromotive voltage can be as high as 1000v to destroy other circuit components. This is because the access of the diode is exactly the same as the direction of the reverse electromotive force. So that the reverse potential is neutralized by the freewheeling diode in the form of current to protect other circuit components. In addition, it is generally a diode with a fast switching speed.

freewheeling diode circuit 

Figure 3. Freewheeling Diode Circuit

Because the relay coil exists inductive load, which will absorb the self-inductive voltage of the relay coil when the triode is turned off. According to Lenz's law, when the current on the inductor decreases, a self-inductive voltage is generated. The direction of this voltage is that the forward terminal is negative and the collector of the driving tube is positive. This voltage will break through the triode, so an freewheeling diode is connected in parallel with the relay to absorb this self-inductive voltage.

1) The influence of the time parameter of the circuit below the ms level on the mechanical contact is ignored.

2) Even the 1N4000 reverse recovery time is far below the ms level, and the forward conduction time is shorter.

3) Capacitance between the driving tubes and parasitic capacitance of the relay is enough to disable the high-speed diode.

4) The consumption of inductive energy storage mainly depends on the winding resistance, which is generally in an overdamped state.

It is general to use transistors as switches. As shown in Figure, a transistor TR1 is used to control the conduction of the relay coil, and the relay contact is used to control the load circuit.

In a thyristor circuit, the thyristor is generally used as a contact switch, if a large inductive load is controlled, a high-voltage back electromotive force will be generated, and the principle is the same as that of a relay.

Flyback diode also used on displays coils commonly used in relays. It is often used with energy storage elements to prevent sudden changes in voltage and current and provide a path. The inductor can provide continuous current to the load to avoid sudden changes in load current and smooth the current. In the switching power supply, it is common to see a freewheeling circuit composed of a diode and a resistor connected in series. The following circuit is connected in parallel with the primary side of the transformer.

Flyback Diode in Relay Circuit 

Figure 4. Flyback Diode in Relay Circuit

The freewheeling diode is added to both ends of the inductive load, and the inductive here is to have an inductive characteristic. The characteristic of the inductive load is that the current cannot be abruptly changed, in other words, it can't be all of a sudden. Common inductive loads include relay coils and solenoid valves.

Typical Freewheeling Circuit

Figure 5.  Typical Freewheeling Circuit

The Figure 5 shows the typical application circuit of the flyback diode, where the resistor R determined whether it is needed or not. When the energy storage element VT is turned on, the upper voltage is positive, and the lower voltage is negative, and the current direction is from top to bottom. When the VT is turned off, the current in the energy storage element is suddenly interrupted, and an induced potential is generated at this time. This induced potential and the power supply voltage are superimposed and applied to both ends of the VT, which can easily cause VT to break down. VD can be added for this purpose, so that the induced potential generated by the energy storage element can be short-circuited to achieve the purpose of protecting the VT.

 

Ⅳ Selection

1) Based on working voltage

2) Based on working current

1N4007 is a not bad choice but not the best, because the PLC may be damaged before the diodes have time to play the freewheeling effect. Therefore, it is best to use FR107 to protect the freewheeling circuit, which can better protect the PLC output interface, and the cost will not rise too much. It is also possible to choose IN5819 or IN5817, which has better performance than FR107, but the cost is a little higher.

 

Ⅴ Applications

5.1 Summary

Flyback diodes are usually used with energy storage elements, and their role is to prevent sudden changes in voltage and current in the circuit and provide a power-consuming path for reverse electromotive force. The inductive coil can provide continuous current to the load through EMF, so as not to change the load current and smooth the current. In the switching power supply, a freewheeling circuit always composed of a diode and a resistor connected in series. This circuit is connected in parallel with the primary side of the transformer. When the switch is turned off, the freewheeling circuit can release the energy stored in the transformer coil to prevent the induced voltage from being too large and breakdown the switch.

5.2 In Forward Switching Power Supply

In the forward switching power supply, when the MOS is turned off, the secondary side of the transformer provides current to the outside by the energy stored in the inductor. In order to make the inductor play this role under load, a freewheeling diode is added on the secondary side of the transformer. The inductor, load, and freewheeling diodes create paths to transfer the energy in the inductor to the outside.

5.3 In Converter Technology

In the electronic converter circuit, the single-phase bridge rectifier in the rectification section is the single-phase rectifier circuit with the most practical applications. And three-phase bridge rectification is the most widely used method for power systems, especially generator excitation systems. Both of these circuits must be connected to a flyback diode. Its function is almost the same. Take a single-phase bridge circuit as an example: When the rectifier bridge is connected to an inductive load, because the inductor current cannot be abruptly changed, during the thyristor off time, it must connect freewheeling diode at both ends of the load to provide a smoothing path  to prevent dangerous overvoltages across the inductive load, and also the thyristor can be commutated to conduct.

The three-phase bridge rectifier circuits used in generator excitation systems are divided into three-phase half-control bridges and three-phase full-control bridge circuits. Therefore, in order to ensure reliable commutation of the rectifier components, the half-control bridge needs to connect flyback diodes in parallel at both ends of the inductive load, while the full-control bridge does not need to do so. In addition, when the conduction angle is changed, the average voltage and line current of the half-controlled bridge change more slowly than the full-controlled bridge.

At present, current converters such as rectifiers and inverters are now used in a large number of devices, in which flyback diodes are typically added to the internal DC bus of the converter. Because if the load is an inductive element, when a large-capacity inverter on the bus fails, the DC bus will generate huge reverse surge energy. At this time, it is necessary to provide a discharge channel for this energy, otherwise it will break down or burn the converter. This channel needs a diode to form, that is a flyback diode.

5.4 In Unidirectional Half Wave Silicon Control Rectifier Circuit

For unidirectional half-wave silicon control rectifier circuit with large inductive load, when the  silicon control is turned off in the negative half cycle, the inductive load will generate a high reverse induced electromotive force. This reverse electromotive force is sufficient to cause the silicon control to break down and burn. After that, the reverse electromotive force can be discharged into the forward voltage drop of the diode (about 0.7V), thereby effectively protecting the circuit components. 

5.5 In BUCK Circuit

BUCK Circuit 

Figure 6. BUCK Circuit

In the BUCK circuit, fast recovery diodes or Schottky diodes are generally selected as freewheeling diodes. It is generally used in the circuit to protect components from being broken down or burned by induced voltage. The two ends of the element form a loop with it, so that the high electromotive force generated in the loop is consumed in a continuous current manner, thereby protecting the elements in the circuit.

In theory, the diode is selected at least 2 times the maximum current. In actual use, due to the strong transient overload resistance of the diode, an ultra-fast diode with a maximum current of 50A can also be used. In addition, a reasonable heat sink generally has little damage in actual use. The total impedance when conducting is the internal resistance of the motor plus the equivalent internal resistance of the drive tube. And the total impedance during freewheeling is the internal resistance of the motor plus the equivalent internal resistance of the freewheeling diode. In general, the AC equivalent internal resistance of the freewheeling diode is smaller than the AC equivalent internal resistance of the driving transistor. Therefore, in conventional design, the maximum current of the freewheeling diode is generally doubled to the maximum current of the motor.

The transient current is only a moment, and the anti-overload capability of the surface-contact diode is enough, as long as it is not used in overvoltage, if necessary, a small resistor can be connected in series to limit the current. The flyback diode is to protect the switching device. The transient current during freewheeling is related to the working voltage of the motor and the internal resistance of the winding, and has nothing to do with the power of the motor. If necessary, the peak value of the transient current is the reverse self-inductance voltage minus diode junction voltage drop and then divided by the loop resistance. The reason why a diode with a certain current used is because the internal resistance of the winding of the low-voltage high-power motor is low, so the transient current will be relatively large. A series of small resistors can suppress the peak current, the transient voltage of the switch tube rises slightly because the operating voltage is not high, and now the current withstand voltage of transistors is at least 50V or more.

 

Ⅵ Something Has to Care

Freewheeling diodes are commonly used in switching power supplies, relay circuits, thyristor circuits, IGBTs, and other circuits. They are widely used, so it is necessary to pay attention to the following points when using them: 

1) Fylback diode is an effective method to prevent the high voltage generated by self-inductive potential from causing damage to related components when the DC coil is powered off.

2) The polarity of the flyback diode must not be connected wrongly, otherwise a short circuit situation will be caused.

3) The flyback diode is always reversed to the DC voltage, that is, the negative pole of the diode is connected to the positive pole of the DC power supply.

4) The flyback diode works in the forward conduction state, not in the breakdown state or the high-speed switching state, that is, the flyback diode does not used in electrical breakdown, recoverable situation, but its unidirectional conduction effect is the key point.

5) Zener diodes can't be regarded as flyback diode. Because the zener diodes use reverse characteristics, and the flyback diodes use forward characteristics.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Flyback Diode or Freewheeling Diode

1. What is a flyback diode?
A flyback diode is a diode connected across an inductor used to eliminate flyback, which is the sudden voltage spike seen across an inductive load when its supply current is suddenly reduced or interrupted.

 

2. What is the role of freewheeling diode?
A Flyback diode is also called as freewheeling diode. ... Here catch diode is used to eliminate flyback, when the abrupt voltage spike is witnessed across the inductive load when the supply current abruptly reduced. It helps the circuit from damaging.

 

3. What is a flyback diode used for?
A flyback diode is a diode connected across an inductor used to eliminate flyback, which is the sudden voltage spike seen across an inductive load when its supply current is suddenly reduced or interrupted.

 

4. How does a flyback diode work?
The Flyback diode makes inductor to draw current from itself in a loop until the energy is dissipated in diode and wires. When the current flow to an AC induction motor is suddenly interrupted, then the inductor tries to maintain increasing the voltage and the current by reversing polarity.

 

5. How do you choose a freewheeling diode?
The diode reverse voltage rating should be at least the voltage applied to the relay coil. Normally a designer puts in plenty of reserve in the reverse rating. A diode in your application having 50 volts would be more than adequate. Again 1N4001 will do the job.

 

6. How do I choose a flyback diode for a relay?
Specify a diode for at least 79.4 mA current. In your case, a 1N4001 current rating far exceeds the requirement. The diode reverse voltage rating should be at least the voltage applied to the relay coil. Normally a designer puts in plenty of reserve in the reverse rating.

 

7. What are the advantages of freewheeling diode?
What are the advantage of free wheeling diode in a Full Wave rectifier? It reduces the harmonics and it also reduces sparking and arching across the mechanical switch so that it reduces the voltage spike seen in a inductive load.

 

8. Why freewheeling diode is used in controlled rectifier?
When the inductive circuit is switched off, this diode gives a short circuit path for the flow of inductor decay current and hence dissipation of stored energy in the inductor. This diode is also called Flywheel or Fly-back diode. circuits, inverter circuits, and chopper circuits by making it continuous.

 

9. What is the effect of adding free wheeling diode?
It reduces the harmonics and it also reduces sparking and arching across the mechanical switch so that it reduces the voltage spike seen in a inductive load.

 

10. What is the use of freewheeling diode in converter circuit?
A free wheeling diode is used in converter circuits . It is connected across the load. During positive cycle of input it is reverse biased. During negative cycle of input the diode conducts and the energy stored in the circuit inductor during the previous half cycle is delivered to the load itself.

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pinglun 1 comment

    • pingluntus
    • Timothy Kenna on 2022/4/18 12:39:17

    Thanks - This is an excellent tutorial on flyback diodes.

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