Philips Semiconductors Power Diodes Ratings System Ratings The limiting values are as defined by the published data. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 1998 Dec 07 45