A constant current diode, also called a current limiting diode (CLD), is an electronic device that regulates or limits current to a maximum value. This is important as it protects your circuit from harmful effects in the event of a short-circuit.
How do constant current diodes work?
Constant current diodes are made from a junction field effect transistor, the simplest type of three-terminal semiconductor transistor which functions like a current limiter. They allow the current running through them to rise to a certain point and level off at a specific value. Unlike zener diodesconstant current diodes maintain a constant current instead of the constant voltage.
Applications for constant current diodes
Constant current diodes can be used in several circuit applications. Examples of devices using constant current diodes include waveform generator circuits, timing circuits and battery chargers. Constant current diodes can also be used as a constant current source for LED driversand can be used to replace holding coils in telephone connection devices.
Description:
Integrated solutions to save board space. Incorporating a
resistor-equipped PNP transistor with two diodes on one chip, our dedicated constant current source device is housed in a SOT353 package. Reducing board space and component count, it provides stabilized output current ...
Description:
The AD590 temperature sensor is useful in remote
sensing applications because the device is insensitive to voltage drops over long lines due to its high impedance current output. A twisted-pair cable is sufficient for operation many metres from the receiving ...