Peak Inverse Voltage (Centre-Tap)

PIV = 2 · Vpeak

Quick answer

This calculator solves PIV = 2 × Vpeak (centre-tapped full-wave) for Peak Inverse Voltage. With Peak Voltage 26.4 V, the result is 52.8 V. It solves in 2 directions, so you can enter the values you have and get the one you need.

Calculator

Peak Inverse Voltage (V)
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Formula

PIV = 2 × Vpeak (centre-tapped full-wave)

Description

Peak inverse voltage is the maximum reverse voltage a rectifier diode must withstand when not conducting. In a centre-tapped full-wave rectifier the non-conducting diode sees the full secondary swing plus the peak across the conducting half, totalling twice the peak voltage. Diodes must be rated above the PIV with margin, or they break down on the reverse half-cycle.

Variables

  • PIV — Peak inverse (reverse) voltage on the diode (V)
  • Vpeak — Peak of one half of the secondary (V)

Practical Notes

For a bridge rectifier the PIV is only Vpeak (one diode drop less), which is why bridges allow lower-voltage diodes than centre-tap designs. Always derate: choose diodes rated well above the calculated PIV.

Symbols and units

Symbol Meaning Default unit Accepted units
PIV Peak Inverse Voltage V pV, nV, µV, mV, V, kV
Vpeak Peak Voltage V pV, nV, µV, mV, V, kV

Step by step

  1. 1. What you know: Peak Voltage 26.4 V
  2. 2. The relation: PIV = 2 × Vpeak (centre-tapped full-wave)
  3. 3. Substitute: Vpeak = 26.4 V
  4. 4. Result: Peak Inverse Voltage = 52.8 V

Worked examples

Minimum range

Given: Peak Voltage 0.726 V

Result: Peak Inverse Voltage = 1.452 V

Low range

Given: Peak Voltage 7.26 V

Result: Peak Inverse Voltage = 14.52 V

Typical

Given: Peak Voltage 26.4 V

Result: Peak Inverse Voltage = 52.8 V

High range

Given: Peak Voltage 0.506 kV

Result: Peak Inverse Voltage = 1.012 kV

Maximum range

Given: Peak Voltage 5.06 kV

Result: Peak Inverse Voltage = 10.12 kV

Solving for each variable

Solve for Peak Inverse Voltage

Peak Voltage 0.726 V → 1.452 V

Solve for Peak Voltage

Peak Inverse Voltage 0.33 V → 0.165 V

How Peak Inverse Voltage changes with Peak Voltage

Peak Voltage (input) Peak Inverse Voltage (result)
2.64 V 5.28 V
6.6 V 13.2 V
13.2 V 26.4 V
19.8 V 39.6 V
26.4 V 52.8 V
39.6 V 79.2 V
52.8 V 105.6 V
105.6 V 0.2112 kV
0.1848 kV 0.3696 kV
0.264 kV 0.528 kV

The same result in other units

Unit Value
mV 52800
V 52.8
kV 0.0528

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Frequently asked questions

How do you calculate Peak Inverse Voltage (Centre-Tap)?

Use PIV = 2 × Vpeak (centre-tapped full-wave). With Peak Voltage 26.4 V, Peak Inverse Voltage works out to 52.8 V.

What is the formula for Peak Inverse Voltage (Centre-Tap)?

The formula is PIV = 2 × Vpeak (centre-tapped full-wave). Peak inverse voltage is the maximum reverse voltage a rectifier diode must withstand when not conducting.

How do you find Peak Voltage when you know the other values?

Rearrange for Peak Voltage: with Peak Inverse Voltage 0.33 V, Peak Voltage is 0.165 V.

What units does Peak Inverse Voltage (Centre-Tap) use?

Peak Inverse Voltage is shown in mV, V, kV. Values are held in SI base units internally, so you can mix prefixes without converting by hand.

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