BS EN 61643-321:2002

What is BS EN 61643-321- Avalanche breakdown diode (ABD) used in surge protective devices about?  

BS EN 61643-321 is 321 part of a multi-series standard used for Components for low-voltage surge protective devices that specifies the test method and procedure for avalanche breakdown diode (ABD). BS EN 61643-321 is useful in designing and manufacturing good quality surge protective devices.  

BS EN 61643-321 is applicable to avalanche breakdown diodes (ABDs) which represent one type of surge protective device component (hereinafter referred to as SPDC) used in the design and construction of surge protective devices connected to low-voltage power distribution systems, transmission, and signaling networks. Test specifications in BS EN 61643-321 are for single ABDs consisting of two terminals. However, multiple ABDs may be assembled within a single package defined as a diode array. Each diode within the array can be tested to this specification. 

BS EN 61643-321 contains a series of test criteria for determining the electrical characteristics of the ABD. From the standard test methods described herein, the performance characteristics and ratings of the ABD can be verified or established for specific packaged designs. 

Who is BS EN 61643-321 - Avalanche breakdown diode (ABD) used in surge protective devices for? 

BS EN 61643-321 on Components for low-voltage surge protective devices is useful for: 

• Manufacturer of electronic equipment 
• Manufacturer of automotive parts 
• Electronic engineer  

Why should you use BS EN 61643-321 - Avalanche breakdown diode (ABD) used in surge protective devices?  

A surge protector is useful in protecting electrical devices from voltage spikes in alternating current (AC) circuits. It basically acts as a guard against the damage that sudden power surges can cause. 

BS EN 61643-321 specifies the test method and test procedure for avalanche breakdown diodes (ABDs) used in surge protective devices. The test methods are as follows:  

• Clamping voltage is useful in determining the voltage protection level 
• Rated peak impulse current helps in verifying the ABD design meets a specific number of current impulses without causing device failure 
• Maximum working voltage VWM and maximum working r.m.s. voltage VWMrms is useful in verifying the maximum voltage  
• Determines the stand-by current level of an ABD 
• Measures the capacity of ABD between two terminals 
• Rated peak impulse power dissipation is useful in verifying the manufacturer’s power rating under specific test conditions 
• Calculates the peak value of forward voltage 
• Temperature coefficient of breakdown voltage is useful in calculating the ratio of the change in breakdown voltage to the change in temperature 
• Measures the thermal voltage of ABD 

BS EN 61643-321 helps in identifying the fault and failure modes in ABD. This helps in ensuring the sustainability of these avalanche breakdown diode (ABD) in different climatic conditions. The Basic function and description of ABD help in understanding the working process of these avalanche breakdown diodes (ABD) that are used in protecting electrical devices. By applying BS EN 61643-321 you can design and manufacture good quality surge protective devices.