A flyback diode is used to protect electronics from the voltage spikes generated when an inductive load such as a motor, a valve or a relay, is disconnected. Disconnecting current path to an inductor generates a voltage spike of the opposite polarity, and a flyback diode absorbs this, protecting the driving electronics.
Alternative names
This protection circuit topology is also known as:
- freewheeling diode
- free wheel diode
- snubber diode
- commutating diode
- suppressor diode
- clamp diode
- catch diode