A flyback diode is just a regular diode. It is considered a “flyback” only when applied in a specific manner. In my applications, this is generally when it is put in parallel with a motor.
Because inductors resist changes in current and motors act as big inductors, when the current drops to near zero when the power is removed from the motor, there is a momentary spike in voltage to compensate. The flyback diode is parallel to the motor, allowing any voltage coming out of the motor to return to the high side of the motor. In some cases, if a flyback is not applied, this voltage spike is allowed to move down the line, and can cause damage to equipment downstream.
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