Pulse Power Rating of Semiconductors The admissible dissipation of diodes, rectifiers and Zener diodes which operate from sinusoidal supplies is based on the arithmetic mean value of junction temperature and power dissipation. Devices which handle pulses are capable of passing short-term currents far in excess of the maximum admissible static dissipation, and in this case it is admissible to exceed the continuous dissipation curve for the duration of each pulse. The magnitude of the admissible current is then inversely proportional to the pulse duty factor, because power is dissipated only intermittently, and the thermal capacity of the system and heat conduction prevent an undue rise in junction temperature. Some of the data sheets contain diagrams which allow the rating of a device operating under pulsed conditions to be determined. In Figure 1, which applies to diodes and rectifiers, the maximum admissible pulse current amplitute is plotted as a function of pulse duration for an ambient (or case) temperature of + 25°C. If the device is to operate at higher ambient temperatures, then it is necessary to derate the current values derived from this diagram in accordance with the “admissible dissipation versus temperature” curve.