1N4001 diode in DO-41 axial package (through hole mount)A schematic symbol for general-purpose silicon rectifier diodesCurrent-voltage characteristics of a 1N4001 at different temperatures
The 1N400x (or 1N4001 or 1N4000[1]) series is a family of popular one-ampere general-purpose siliconrectifierdiodes commonly used in AC adapters for common household appliances. Its blocking voltage varies from 50 volts (1N4001) to 1000 volts (1N4007). This JEDEC device number series is available in the DO-41 axial package. [2][3] Diodes with similar ratings are available in SMA and MELF surface mount packages (in other part number series).[4][5]
The 1N540x (or 1N5400) series is a similarly popular family of diodes rated 3 Amperes, which has a larger DO-201AD axial package to dissipate heat better.[6][7]
History
The 1N400x series was originally introduced by Motorola's Semiconductor Products Division and registered at JEDEC in 1963 as silicon power rectifiers used primarily for military and industrial applications.[8] It appeared in the Motorola Semiconductor Data Manual in 1965, as replacements for 1N2609 through 1N2617.[9] The 1N540x series were announced in Electrical Design News in 1968, along with the now lesser-known 1.5 A 1N5391 series.[10]
Overview
These devices are widely used and recommended for general-purpose power-frequency rectifier use.[11][12] They are commonly used as rectifiers in AC adapters of electrical appliances to convert AC to DC,[13] and are also used in other types of power converters,[2] or as freewheeling diodes to protect circuits from inductive loads.[2]
These are fairly low-speed rectifier diodes, being inefficient for square waves of more than 15 kHz.[14][verification needed] They are not designed for switching applications; datasheets often do not specify any information on their turn-on and turn-off characteristics.[15]
Compared with signal diodes, rectifier diodes generally have higher current ratings, can have much higher reverse voltage ratings, but have higher leakage current and greater junction capacitance.[16]
The following table lists part numbers in the 1N400x, 1N540x, and other popular general-purpose silicon rectifier diode families.
^Gordon McComb (2001). The robot builder's bonanza (2nd ed.). McGraw-Hill Professional. p. 41. ISBN978-0-07-136296-2. Common diodes are the 1N914, for light-duty signal-switching applications, and the 1N4000 series (1N4001, 1N4002, 1N4003, and 1N4004).
^Home power, Issues 21–32. Electron Connection, Ltd. 1991. p. 173. A good generic diode for 1 A or less is the 1N4000 series devices.
^John R. Barnes (2004). Robust Electronic Design Reference Book. Springer. pp. 15–9. ISBN9781402077371. Earlier I mentioned that 1N4004's are rectifiers. They don't have any specifications in their datasheet for turn-on or turn-off characteristics.
^Paul Horowitz, Winifred Hill, The Art of Electronics Second Edition, Cambridge University Press, 1989 ISBN0-521-37095-7, page 330
