Breakdown Voltage

The breakdown voltage of an insulator is the minimum voltage that causes a portion of an insulator to become electrically conductive.

The breakdown voltage of a diode is the minimum reverse voltage to make the diode conduct in reverse. Some devices (such as TRIACs) also have a forward breakdown voltage.

Read more about Breakdown Voltage:  Solids, Gases and Vacuum, Diodes and Other Semiconductors

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