Avalanche diodes are rectifier diodes with controlled avalanching allowing power pulse to dissipate in the breakdown region of the reverse volt-ampere curve within a limited period of time.

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These diodes are used in DC and AC circuits with frequency of up to 500 Hz, and in general purpose electrical and electronic devices.

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Avalanche diodes can eliminate or considerably simplify overvoltage protection circuits in converters, especially in case of a large number of series connected diodes.