# Diode breakdown happens when a reverse biased diode is subjected to so much voltage that it conducts in the reverse direction. When a diode is biased past the bias voltage, it stays in a metaphysical state, so by itself, it would stay an insulater, but anything at all (such as a temperature fluctionation) would cause the diode to draw so much current that would cause excessive heat that will destroy a diode. | # Diode breakdown happens when a reverse biased diode is subjected to so much voltage that it conducts in the reverse direction. When a diode is biased past the bias voltage, it stays in a metaphysical state, so by itself, it would stay an insulater, but anything at all (such as a temperature fluctionation) would cause the diode to draw so much current that would cause excessive heat that will destroy a diode. |