Diode Specifications
Peak Inverse Voltage

The peak inverse voltage of a diode is the maximum reverse voltage that a diode can withstand before it breaks down.

The reverse voltage entering a diode is the voltage that enters through a diode's cathode, which is its negative lead. The diode can withstand a certain amount of reverse voltage (voltage to its cathode) and not be damaged. However, once the voltage exceeds the peak inverse voltage (PIV), the diode will break down. This will render the diode useless, and the diode will have to be replaced in the circuit.