What is the use of this diode in the circuit?
I guess it is used for short circuit protection and turning off the LM2576.
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2\$\begingroup\$ Its used for current pass in forward direction.normally it act as a check valve. \$\endgroup\$– SenthilrajCommented Jul 10, 2020 at 7:32
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3 Answers
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This circuit is for a buck converter. If you look into the working of the buck converter, this diode is essential for the purpose of voltage conversion.
What happens is that, during Toff duration, inductor current cannot change instantaneously, hence, a freewheeling path is required when the transistor inside the IC is switched off. That is why this diode is called freewheeling diode.
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It is explained in the/a datasheet of the LM2576:
https://www.onsemi.com/pub/Collateral/LM2576-D.PDF
In short, the circuit you mention is a buck converter, and the diode is called a catch diode.
Below the excerpt:
answered Jul 9, 2020 at 9:10
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That's a switch mode regulator, so that is the catch diode that conducts the current from inductor to output during the time when the switch is off. It is not for short circuit protection or turning off the chip.
