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.
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 |
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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