What is the difference between rectifier diodes and typical switching diodes?

Both rectifier diodes and typical switching diodes are pn junction diodes. Although they are manufactured in almost the same manner, they are designed for different applications. Rectifier diodes have a forward current of 0.5 A or higher and are designed to convert alternating current (AC) from a mains supply to direct current (DC). In contrast, switching diodes are intended to be used for high-frequency applications (up to 1 MHz), diode logic, weak signal detection, diode clipping, etc.

Therefore, switching diodes are designed with a small junction area to provide relatively small capacitance and a rated current of 250 mA or less.
As a reference, the absolute maximum ratings (Table-1: Rectifying diodes, Table-2: Switching diodes) described in each datasheet are shown.

Table-1 Absolute maximum ratings of rectifying diodes (CRG11B)
Characteristics Symbol Rating Unit
Repetitive peak reverse voltage VRRM 400 V
Average forward current (Note 1) IF(AV) 0.4 A
Non-repetitive peak forward surge current (Note 2) IFSM 8 A
Forward pulse current (Note 3) IFP 14 A
Junction temperature Tj 150 °C
Storage temperature Tstg -55 to 150 °C
Table-2 Absolute maximum ratings of switching diodes (1SS181)
Characteristic Symbol Rating Unit
Maximum (peak) reverse voltage VRM 85 V
Reverse voltage VR 80 V
Maximum (peak) forward current IFM 300 (*) mA
Average forward current IO 100 (*) mA
Surge current (10ms) IFSM 2 (*) A
Power dissipation PD (Note 2, 4) 200 mW
PD (Note 3) 150
Junction temperature Tj (Note 2) 150 °C
Tj (Note 3) 125
Storage temperature Tstg (Note 2) -55 to 150 °C
Tstg (Note 3) -55 to 125

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