What happens when the diode in a limiter circuit is reverse biased?

When the diode in a limiter circuit is reverse biased, it effectively prevents current from flowing through it. This occurs because a reverse-biased diode behaves like an insulator, blocking any significant amount of current from passing, except for a very tiny leakage current that is usually negligible in the context of most circuits.

In a limiter circuit, the primary function of the diode is to control the output voltage. When the diode is reverse biased, it ensures that the output voltage does not exceed a certain threshold set by the diode's characteristics. Therefore, the output voltage remains at a safe level without developing significant current flow, maintaining the integrity of the circuit. This characteristic is crucial for protecting sensitive components downstream from potentially damaging overvoltages.

Understanding the nature of diode operation in this manner is essential for effectively utilizing limiter circuits in various electronic applications.