In the world of electronics, especially when working with power components like MOSFETs, unwanted voltage spikes or noise can create instability and damage sensitive parts. This issue is common when switching high-power loads, causing the MOSFET to fail prematurely. Enter the snubber circuit—a simple, yet effective solution that protects your components and extends their lifespan.

The Problem :

A snubber circuit is a pair of components—typically a resistor and capacitor—connected in series and placed across the MOSFET. It absorbs the high-voltage spikes, smoothens the power signal, and prevents unwanted oscillations, ensuring your circuit runs smoothly.

Practical Example :

Let’s say you’re building a motor driver circuit for a DIY robot. When the motor switches off, the inductance of the motor generates a voltage spike. Without a snubber, this spike could damage the MOSFET. By adding a snubber circuit across the MOSFET, the capacitor absorbs the spike, and the resistor dissipates it as heat, protecting the MOSFET and keeping your robot running.

Sample Calculation :

To size the resistor in your snubber, you’ll want to consider the energy stored in the inductor (motor). A typical formula for the resistor is:

R=L/CR = \sqrt{L/C}R=L/C​

Where:

• L is the inductance of the motor (e.g., 1 mH)
• C is the capacitance (e.g., 10 µF)

For L = 1 mH and C = 10 µF, the resistor size would be around 316 Ω.

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