Flyback diode
DIODE CONNECTED ACROSS AN INDUCTOR USED TO ELIMINATE FLYBACK (VOLTAGE SPIKES ACROSS INDUCTIVE LOADS)
Free Wheeling Diode; Catch diode; Freewheeling diode; Commutating diode; Fly-back diode
A flyback diode is any diode connected across an inductor used to eliminate flyback, which is the sudden voltage spike seen across an inductive load when its supply current is suddenly reduced or interrupted. It is used in circuits in which inductive loads are controlled by switches, and in switching power supplies and inverters.