Bypass capacitors on diodes?

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I saw this on another forum (not a good one for audio unfortunately):

diodebypass.jpg


But with my limited knowledge I can't tell if it's beneficial or destructive.

Any comments?
 
The impedance (and capacitance) of a diode changes very abruptly when it stops conducting (after reverse recovery is completed). This together with a series inductive component usually results in moderate voltage spikes or ringing. A parallel impedance (capacitor) helps to make this change not so abrupt and the spikes smaller.

The ideal solution is not a simple capacitor in parallel with each diode, though. An additional RC may be required to damp ringing. Also, a single C (plus optional RC) in parallel with each transformer secondary should be enough instead of four.
 
I have found that to be true; just a capacitor, no matter what kind, never improved what I saw on the scope. Better off adding the correct capacitor and the right resistor for the application.

I think an RC snubber across the transformer is much more beneficial than caps across diodes, especially when using schottky's.
 
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