1998 Dec 07 45
Philips Semiconductors
Power Diodes Ratings System
Ratings
A rating is a value that establishes either a limiting
capability or a limiting condition for an electronic device.
It is determined for specific values of environment and
operation, and may be stated in any suitable terms.
Limiting conditions may be either maxima or minima.
Characteristics
A characteristic is an inherent and measurable property of
a device. It can be expressed as a value for stated or
recognised conditions or as a set of related values, usually
shown in graphical form.
Ratings system
The rating system used in this data handbook is the
Absolute Maximum Rating System defined in IEC
publication 134.
Absolute maximum ratings are limiting values of operating
and environmental conditions applicable to any electronic
device of a specified type.
The limiting values are as defined by the published data.
Limiting values may be either maxima or minima.
These values should not be exceeded under the worst
probable conditions.
The limiting values are chosen by the device manufacturer
to provide acceptable serviceability taking no responsibility
for equipment variations, environmental variations and the
effects of changes in operating conditions due to variations
in the characteristics of the device under consideration or
other electronic devices in the equipment.
The equipment designer should design so that initially and
throughout the life of the device, no limiting value for the
intended service is exceeded with any device under the
worst probable operating conditions. This includes supply
voltage variation, equipment component variation,
equipment control adjustment, load variations, signal
variation, environmental conditions and variations in the
characteristics of the device under consideration and all
other electronic devices in the equipment.
