Avalanche diodes are rectifier diodes with controlled avalanching allowing power pulse to dissipate in the breakdown region of the reverse volt-ampere curve within a limited period of time.
These diodes are used in DC and AC circuits with frequency of up to 500 Hz, and in general purpose electrical and electronic devices.
Avalanche diodes can eliminate or considerably simplify overvoltage protection circuits in converters, especially in case of a large number of series connected diodes.