Original poster: "Leigh Copp" <Leigh.Copp@xxxxxxxxxxx>
The other thing is that modern HV diodes are designed to safely
operate in the avalanche (Zener) mode for a short time (while the
rest of the string turns off). For normal sized power supplies (few
kW max, I would imagine) you can calculate the amount of energy
deposited in the junction during the turn off event, and it's small
enough that the device won't fail. In fact, putting resistors around
every diode increases the current through the diodes that turn off
early, actually making the overall string less reliable.
<LC> This (safely operating in the avalanche region) I did
-not- know; So the reverse breakdown knee is effectively less
sharp? Or is it at a lower reverse leakage current?