Understanding Snubber Circuit Types for Capacitor

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The discussion focuses on various types of snubber circuits, particularly the capacitor snubber, and the role of resistors and diodes in managing voltage spikes caused by inductive loads. Participants highlight that while capacitor snubbers can absorb energy, using a PNP emitter follower can eliminate the need for a separate snubber by damping voltage spikes directly. The conversation also touches on the predictability of using Schottky diodes versus the complexities of calculating resistor values in snubber circuits. Additionally, there is a consensus that snubber circuits are essential for suppressing voltage spikes in inductive applications, with an emphasis on the importance of component selection and circuit design. Overall, understanding the nuances of snubber circuits is crucial for effective circuit protection.
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i have did some research of snubber circuit. and i do know there is 3 types of snubber circuits:

  • Capacitor (C)
  • Resistor-Capacitor (RC) damping network
  • Resistor-Capacitor-Diode (RCD) turn off snubber
can anyone explain snubber circuit for Capacitor? thanks
 
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when i do the research, it mainly tell me more about RC and RCD..
 
I am not quite sure, but I expect that in a capacitor snubber, they rely on the resistance in the coil to absorb the energy.
 
There's probably over 20 in all. There's all manner of R, C, D, and L. Then there are switched snubbers such as SCRs that switch to take the stress from other SCRs...
 
My personal favorite is this circuit. There is no need for a separate snubber - the PNP emitter follower ensures that no voltage spike can occur.
upload_2015-2-2_8-58-53.png
 

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That's crazy! (as in cool). How come I've never seen that? But, how is it better than a diode?
 
If you the coil is in the collector path of a transistor, the moment you turn the transistor off, it shows a high impedance to the coil. The coil reacts to the loss of current drive with a voltage spike that can reach twice the supply voltage value. That spike is the reason why we need a snubber circuit.

In my circuit, if you remove the current from the relay, the emitter presents a low impedance to the coil. If the voltage at the coil tries to get higher than a Vbe above the supply voltage, the PNP turns on and damps the current.

The advantage? For one thing, you do not have to calculate and implement a snubber circuit. If the PNP is able to drive the coil, it is also able to absorb the kickback from the coil.
 
to the original question, the capacitor in that case will be a decoupling capacitor. It will function very similarly to the RC scrubber.
look up decoupling capacitor.
 
Svein said:
If you the coil is in the collector path of a transistor, the moment you turn the transistor off, it shows a high impedance to the coil. The coil reacts to the loss of current drive with a voltage spike that can reach twice the supply voltage value. That spike is the reason why we need a snubber circuit.

In my circuit, if you remove the current from the relay, the emitter presents a low impedance to the coil. If the voltage at the coil tries to get higher than a Vbe above the supply voltage, the PNP turns on and damps the current.

The advantage? For one thing, you do not have to calculate and implement a snubber circuit. If the PNP is able to drive the coil, it is also able to absorb the kickback from the coil.

The voltage must be higher that Vbe + Vr and will spike higher because of PNP turn on time.

But, that aside, you missed my point. How is that better than a reverse diode across the coil to the supply. In fact, a schottky will make the spike even less, and turn on very fast.
 
  • #10
Svein's circuit in post #5 must have an R value low enough to handle the base current of the PNP during flyback. Otherwise, the maximum collector voltages of both the PNP and NPN will be exceeded.One solution is to add a reverse diode in parallel with R.

I have considered circuits like that in the past but have always had a problem with controlling the PNP base voltage.
With R selected low enough to prevent over-voltage then the NPN must sink both Vs/R current and the PNP base current.

To turn off quickly requires a significant negative inductor voltage. A schottky diode with a series resistor can achieve that in a more controlled way than the emitter relay drive circuit of post #5.
 
  • #11
hmmmm

Seems to me when NPN turns off and the edit: PNP comes out of saturation, PNP's Vce starts to increase,
the current through Rupper would become Irelay divided by Beta of PNP .So long as ratio of Rupper / Rrelay is less than Beta of PNP ,
the peak voltage at bottom of relay will not exceed 2 Vsupply?

Use something like a 2N3906 where you can count on Beta >50 and make Rupper 5X Rrelay ,
peak should be less than ~ 1.1 Vsupply.

Only trouble i see is relay's dropout time could depend on beta if that matters to the application.

Is my thinking straight?
 
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  • #12
jim hardy said:
Is my thinking straight?
Yes.
But beta is something I do not like to predict. Beta is usually specified as probably being in a wide ballpark.
On the other hand a schottky diode located at the relay coil, possibly with a series resistor, is much more predictable.
Today, a power MOSFET with low Ron would replace the complementary darlington pair which will always drop one Vbe.
 
  • #13
jim hardy said:
Seems to me when NPN turns off and the PNP comes out of saturation,
the current through Rupper would become Irelay divided by Beta of PNP .
Oops - an emitter follower does not go into saturation...
 
  • #14
Svein said:
Oops - an emitter follower does not go into saturation...
Well, you're right.. Bad wording on my part.

okay,

"..when the PNP's Vce starts to increase,..."

i think is more correct ?

thanks - as we choose our words better we reason better...
 
  • #15
Baluncore said:
On the other hand a schottky diode located at the relay coil, possibly with a series resistor, is much more predictable.
Yes - but Schottky diodes traditionally have a fairly low breakdown voltage. A quick check - well, they have improved. You can now get Schottky rectifiers with 100VRRM. OK, I agree.

Baluncore said:
Today, a power MOSFET with low Ron would replace the complementary darlington pair which will always drop one Vbe.
For example http://www.onsemi.com/pub_link/Collateral/MCH3486-D.PDF.
There may be a cost issue, but otherwise I agree.
 
  • #16
Svein said:
There may be a cost issue, but otherwise I agree.
If you buy only the specifications needed, then the price of a MOSFET is now less than that of the NPN + PNP.
The problem of cost is when buying a superceded legacy part number that is no longer in production, or less than 1000 units.
 
  • #17
Back to the OP... In general I do not like to call a Diode in the Coil example a snubber - it is a free wheeling diode. Snubber - implies more of a suppression role - as when there is a V spike and the capacitor prevents excessive overvoltage, in many cases due to L * dI/dT at some level- ( ideally a FWD will prevent the V spike to start with)

As for why not always use a diode - there are many switching circuits where the inductance being switched off is not so "accessible" Consider l line rectifier or inverter. The snubbers often applied at the switch terminals and across the DC bus ( i.e. not on the load side) are not to counter the effect of the LOAD ( there is typically a Free Wheeling Diode for this) -- the snubbers used are to suppress the V spike generated in parasitic inductances. - often on the DC bus.

In the example below -- the snubber (RC) is not included to account for the V spike of the load (usually that is too much energy for this cap (in this case 0.1uF and 100ohm R) - but for all of the inductance between the Diodes and the load. When the diodes commutate some are turning off and basically every conductor in the circuit has some minute inductance - the higher the current, and the faster the switching the more this becomes apparent.

upload_2015-2-12_8-40-50.png


As for the resistor - in general you need the energy to go somewhere - otherwise you and up with a LC circuit ( agreed with very small R "always") - but without the R this tends to generate excessive ringing - or an oscillation that can be disruptive to the circuit or emitting unwanted EMI.

Note - in the circuit above, if the load is a large inductor(or long leads to the load) - you may still want to add a FWD in parallel to the RC shown, this tends to need to be a fast diode, and/or sized to handle a large percentage of the load current - adding cost. And the diode requires some time to switch on - the Capacitor is much faster.
 
  • #18
Windadct said:
In the example below -- the snubber (RC) is not included to account for the V spike of the load (usually that is too much energy for this cap (in this case 0.1uF and 100ohm R) - but for all of the inductance between the Diodes and the load.
You show a single RC snubber on the DC output of a three phase bridge rectifier. Surely that is a job for the load. Any one phase will not take over conduction until the previous phase stops conducting. The output impedance is therefore always that of the load, it will self snub. At any point in time, only one line phase will not be in conduction.

I would have expected to see a delta of three RC snubbers on the input side, to prevent spikes on the line side of the bridge, where the line inductance of the non-conducting phase will generate transient switching spikes and noise back up the line when the diodes switch off. The snubber resistors are actually impedance matching diodes, AC coupled by the capacitors, to prevent transients on the line side, when each phase in turn ceases to conduct.
 
  • #19
This is a basic topo for a subsystem - sold as such, and we can not predict all of the conditions the end user will apply(line or load side). So this is in place to provide some robustness to the rectifier diodes- it can be made much more robust- but then it depends more and more on the total application. In higher current assemblies we apply the RC snubber to each individual diode ( or thyristor). From a system level design standpoint we do advise to employ the AC side - but this seemed to be the simplest application for an RC case (in response to the OP) - and not a FWD.
 
  • #20
Svein said:
My personal favorite is this circuit. There is no need for a separate snubber - the PNP emitter follower ensures that no voltage spike can occur.
upload_2015-2-2_8-58-53-png.78542.png
Now I see why so many found fault with this circuit - I forgot the diode in parallel with the collector resistor (supplying base current to the PNP when the base tries to go above the supply voltage).
 
  • #21
Svein said:
I forgot the diode in parallel with the collector resistor (supplying base current to the PNP when the base tries to go above the supply voltage).

I don't see why one is needed. R only needs to carry Irelay/Beta without letting volts at bottom of relay exceed Vce of the transistors..
I guess a diode would allow higher R and would remove consideration of Beta , though.
 
  • #22
The greater part of the schematic is the part unseen. If it wasn't for leakage inductance and parasitic capacitance, I don't know if we would have ever invented snubbers.
 
  • #23
jim hardy said:
I don't see why one is needed. R only needs to carry Irelay/Beta without letting volts at bottom of relay exceed Vce of the transistors..
I guess a diode would allow higher R and would remove consideration of Beta , though.
The basic reason for the resistor in the collector is to tackle the problem of leakage current. This does not require a low value resistor, 10k - 33k is usually OK. As long as the circuit is in linear mode, this value is sufficient, But when the NPN cuts off, all base current to the PNP has to be supplied through that resistor. If the PNP has a β of 50, it needs a base current of 1 mA to handle the relay current. 1mA and 10k makes 10V, which is unacceptable. Therefore - a diode.
 
  • #24
does anyone know how to calculate the value of Rs and Cs?
when i search on the internet, the equation is so confusing
 
  • #25
billy fok said:
does anyone know how to calculate the value of Rs and Cs?
when i search on the internet, the equation is so confusing
Transients one may expect are main design guideline.
 
  • #26
meaning?
 
  • #27
billy fok said:
meaning?
That various circuits can generate various transients depending on their topologies and modes of operation. And they use various components (some require more care than others in that respect, some don't at all)
 
  • #28
Svein said:
1mA and 10k makes 10V, which is unacceptable. Therefore - a diode.

I'd have said instead

"which if unacceptable requires a diode." 12V supply + 10V more from inductor is probably okay with 40 volt transistors.A clever little circuit that one, using the inductor to keep PNP in conduction until coil has discharged.

With diode present, i wonder what would be effect of beta on relay dropout time ?
 
  • #29
jim hardy said:
With diode present, i wonder what would be effect of beta on relay dropout time ?
Beta variation would have no significant effect. Drop-out time with the diode would be longer because there is less reverse voltage to decelerate the inductor current. di/dt = V/L

Another way to quickly turn off a relay is with a flyback diode to the unregulated supply. That way the reverse inductor voltage is significantly higher but controlled, and part of the energy is recycled.
 
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  • #30
No one has mentioned the fact that if supply voltage suddenly disappears on that PNP relay driver the only place for the flyback current is completely through the base-emitter-junction of the PNP. It will kill the transistor for sure.

Edit: Or not? Trying to wrap my head around it yet.
Edit: Think I got it. Power supply simply opened would cause damage. A shorted supply would not. I will stick with the simple diode.
 
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  • #31
hello everyone.
thanks for the advice and i been reading it. but i really need some help.. there are 3 types snubber circuits.. which mention it before in this thread..

i would like to know:
  • how to calculate the values of Cs and Rs of each snubber circuits?
  • for the Cs value, it is the same for all snubber circuits?
pls help
 
  • #32
billy fok said:
i would like to know:
  • how to calculate the values of Cs and Rs of each snubber circuits?
  • for the Cs value, it is the same for all snubber circuits?
pls help
The value of C is not important. Usually 0.1μF is a good choice.The value of R depends on
  • The current capacity of the driver transistor (when turning on, R appears in parallel with the coil)
  • How fast you want the spike to die out (a basic time constant is L/R)
 
  • #33
confusing
 
  • #34
would you mind explaining more about the current capacity of the driver transistor?
 
  • #35
billy fok said:
i would like to know:
  • how to calculate the values of Cs and Rs of each snubber circuits?

A proper answer will take a few pages. No need to type it all here.
Here's an appnote by an old-line capacitor manufacturer. It speaks to your question.
You might print yourself a copy, it's worth keeping.

http://www.cde.com/resources/technical-papers/design.pdf

I've used their "Quencharc" product line for decades. They're quite effective at suppressing interference from relay coils.
 
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  • #36
Hi folks, another Q on snubber circuits. Are they the same as freewheeling diode?
 
  • #37
Bringitondown said:
Hi folks, another Q on snubber circuits. Are they the same as freewheeling diode?
No. Short and sloppy: A snubber circuit converts flyback voltage spikes into heat, a freewheeling diode converts flyback voltage spikes into voltage.
 
  • #38
Perfect,thank you Svein
 
  • #39
Svein said:
a freewheeling diode converts flyback voltage spikes into voltage.

What does that even mean? Is there a typo?

My answer would be:
A freewheeling diode is one form of a snubber circuit. Although, some might consider a snubber to only be RC circuits, many consider snubbers as consisting of RC snubbers and Diode snubbers and other more complex circuits to dissipate inductive energy.

Not that flyback voltage is a "symptom" of the energy stored in an inductor when there is no path (or a changed path) for it to maintain its current flow.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snubber
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flyback_diode
 
  • #40
Svein said:
No. Short and sloppy: A snubber circuit converts flyback voltage spikes into heat, a freewheeling diode converts flyback voltage spikes into voltage.
meBigGuy said:
My answer would be:
A freewheeling diode is one form of a snubber circuit.
You are both wrong. The difference between a freewheel diode and a flyback diode is the way it is used in the circuit.

A freewheel diode conducts in series with the inductor and load to keep the current flowing through the load. It is an "inherent commutation switch" that is applied in switching power supplies to conduct the output current during the period that the active switch is off. A freewheel diode is not a snubber. The inductive energy is transferred efficiently to the load. The circuit inductor is wound to have a minimum internal resistance.

A flyback diode can be connected directly across the inductor to snub the inductive reverse voltage spike at current turn-off. It is used to protect the semiconductor driver and inductor insulation. A flyback diode is a snubber. The inductor is wound to have a resistance that will limit the current while it is turned on. When turned off, the snubbed iductive energy goes to heat the internal resistance of the inductor.
 
  • #41
I certainly understand *your* distinction. And it seems logical. But the world seems to disagree.
Personally I find your distinction fine, and will probably adopt it for the future.

I was just lazily relying on wikipedia for the definition:
"A flyback diode (sometimes called a snubber diode, freewheeling diode, suppressor diode, suppression diode, clamp diode or catch diode[1]) ..."

If you google freewheeling diode you get lots of snubbers. In fact, mostly snubbers.
http://diotec.com/tl_files/diotec/files/pdf/service/applications/freewheeling-diodes.pdf

There are a few app notes that show freewheeling diodes in bridge motor drivers, which fits your definition.
 
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  • #42
My take on it (and apologies to people who already have introduced parts of the terminology in previous posts):

The purpose of a Snubber Diode is to protect, by dissipating the energy in a coil in a safe way when the current flow is broken.
002.png
One example of a snubber circuit.

The purpose of a flyback diode is to create a (high) voltage by storing the excess energy from the coil in a capacitor.
geiger2ind.gif


One example of a flyback diodes.

The purpose of a freewheeling diode is to allow current to flow when the switching element is off.
buck-basic-w-diode.gif

One example of a freewheeling diode.

As others have observed, there is substantial confusion on the internet between these three terms.
 
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  • #43
So much overlap:

Snubber to me is to usually to dissipate energy itself and usually effective on Voltage ( I have not seen a current snubber - I have not looked - they may exist, and there are other functions) - this can include many different components, MOV, Caps, Resistors, even regular, fast or zener diodes in a basic or relatively complex circuit considering it is just for protection ( not a core function of the system).

Flyback - to typically a DESIRED behavior when you are trying to boost a voltage (yet it may STILL a Free wheeling diode) - Ideally it may not dissipate any energy ( typically this energy loss is NOT desired - but always exists)

A freewheeling diode is applied to a circuit with some (or some expected) inductance, it provides a CURRENT path to prevent significant overvoltage due to V=dI/dt. The current can free-wheel (circulate) back to the inductance.

Still I see these a subtle distinctions in terminology that are often used interchangeably, my German colleagues correct me when I call the Diode mated to the IGBT as a FWD - they call it an Anti-Parallel diode (APD)- this simply describes it's location and not its function since the function ( flyback or FWD (or even rectifier) ) is up to the application..

One of the first / longest used books on this is the GE SCR Manual - out of print, but available on Amazon and it looks like on SCRIBID - behind a paywall.
 
  • #44
Windadct said:
A freewheeling diode is applied to a circuit with some (or some expected) inductance, it provides a CURRENT path to prevent significant overvoltage due to V=dI/dt. The current can free-wheel (circulate) back to the inductance.
Where do you get that definition from ?

I agree there is now a whole generation of poorly informed beginners out there. The first surprising thing they learn is that they must put a diode across a DC relay coil to allow the current to keep flowing and so prevent a voltage spike.

A free-wheel ratchet, one way clutch or a diode permits a flow to continue when energy is not being actively inserted into the cycle.

The bicycle free-wheel analogy is being misapplied to inductive flyback snubbers. Beginners wrongly believe the voltage measured across the forward biassed diode is the only voltage across the inductor. The major component of the reverse inductor voltage is actually appearing across the inductor's internal series resistance. They do not see the internally generated voltage across the inductor which is acting to reduce the current at a similar rate to the original turn-on. The same resistance, current and v = L.di/dt works both ways, just the sign is changed.
There is no free-wheeling there, it is maximum brakes for minimum components.
 
  • #45
Attached is part of page 371 from the SCR Manual, 5th Edition, GE, 1972.
D1 is used there to prevent a sudden change in motor torque, the motor current must keep flowing.

It confuses the issue by referring to voltage with the free wheeling diode. That voltage commutates the diode, but the current flows through the motor as the load.
 

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