Any change in the properties of a dielectric that causes it to become conductive; normally a catastrophic failure of an insulation because of excessive voltage.

Voltage at which an electrical failure or insulation breakthrough occurs.

The reversible breakdown of bi-lipid layer membranes as a result of the application of a DC electroporation pulse. A sufficiently high field strength may increase the membrane potential past a critical point leading to the breakdown of the membrane.

The voltage potential at which the insulating properties of a non-conductor will break down and conduct current. Measured in kilo-volts.

The voltage at which a dielectric material is punctured; which is divisible by thickness to give dielectric strength.

The point at which a dielectric substance becomes conductive. Usually a castastrophic insulation failure caused by excessive voltage.

The failure of an insulating material to separate electrical charges. Breakdown occurs when the insulating material changes and conducts the electrical charge between plates.

The dielectric regions within a semiconductor have a unique breakdown voltage associated with them. When an applied voltage, such as an ESD pulse, exceeds this voltage, a dielectric puncture can occur. Depending upon the amount of pulse energy, the puncture may fuse and the device may either exhibit a reduced breakdown voltage; an increased leakage current (both possible parametric failures); or fail completely. See Failure Mechanism.