diodespanning
Diodespanning is not a standardized term in electronics, but it is sometimes used informally to describe techniques in which diodes are arranged to cover or span a range of voltages or signal levels within a circuit. The concept takes advantage of the nonlinear current–voltage characteristics of diodes, including forward voltage drops that vary with device type and operating current, as well as temperature dependence, to produce a controlled, piecewise response.
In practice, diodespanning can refer to networks that create multiple conduction thresholds or a stepped transfer
Common implementations include diode clamps or limiters that engage at predefined voltages, as well as diode-based
Applications of the broad idea of diodespanning encompass protective input clamping to prevent overvoltage, nonlinear signal
See also: diode clamp, limiter, clipper, protection network, voltage reference.