Choosing the right diode for a given function
Choosing the right diode for a given function
(OP)
When making a bridge, it's obvious that I have to choose a diode based on their current and voltage ratings.
But for other functions, like
Logic
Safety
Switching
Etc
What is a germanium diode for ?
Shottky barrier ?
How do I choose a diode to put next to a relay, and why ?
When exactly do I use switching ? And why not other types
I don't see that on books: a full comparison chart showing type and function. Can't find useful tips by long age engineers around the web...
But for other functions, like
Logic
Safety
Switching
Etc
What is a germanium diode for ?
Shottky barrier ?
How do I choose a diode to put next to a relay, and why ?
When exactly do I use switching ? And why not other types
I don't see that on books: a full comparison chart showing type and function. Can't find useful tips by long age engineers around the web...
RE: Choosing the right diode for a given function
http://www.packetradio.com/pdfzips/Germanium_vs_Si...
Google search for "diode differences" or "germanium vs silicon diode" ,etc.. should yield plenty of reading material..
RE: Choosing the right diode for a given function
E.g. 1N34A, low Vf, about 0.3v. Ideal for 'crystal radios'.
'Schottky'
Fast.
'switching'
E.g. 1N914 1N4148. General purpose. Logic circuits.
You could browse the catalogs (e.g. Digikey) for diode PNs, and then review the data sheets. This should lead to some very good info about the characteristics and applications.
RE: Choosing the right diode for a given function
Gunnar Englund
www.gke.org
--------------------------------------
Half full - Half empty? I don't mind. It's what in it that counts.
RE: Choosing the right diode for a given function
TTFN
I can do absolutely anything. I'm an expert!
FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies forum1529: Translation Assistance for Engineers
RE: Choosing the right diode for a given function
RE: Choosing the right diode for a given function
Dan - Owner
http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com
RE: Choosing the right diode for a given function
Gunnar Englund
www.gke.org
--------------------------------------
Half full - Half empty? I don't mind. It's what in it that counts.
RE: Choosing the right diode for a given function
Z
RE: Choosing the right diode for a given function
I've got a lot to learn, but I'm not THAT noob.
I've enjoyed both articles. They answer the germanium and schottky questions, and give many application examples. Despite that, they seem oriented to those who Already know the diodes they want. I'm looking for something different. As if I had a target application, and I need the tool. And more important: common usages
Very good answer. I like that you gave a couple of examples and an ideal application on the first matter
This answers the "Why" part of the question. Keep going.
Thanks for the Zener clarification. That responds a part of my quest. And I think it's enough about zeners. Curious examples of zener usages are abundant on the web
Your book question is a valid question. An intelligent one, in my opinion (although I don't know if you were sarcastic).
There may not be a book detailing the materials (for that there's google), but a table telling the basics of the available materials and their quirks should exist. That's what I'm looking for.
So, looking at the following areas, what diodes should I look for:
-Logic
-Safety
-Switching
-AnythingIMightBeMissing
Safety and switching may already be answered, but enriching the answers is welcome.
I'm also looking for those 'tips' that old cougars from the electrical world might add
I repeat the question:
When exactly do I use switching ? (A brief list with examples would be great as an answer)
What is the practical difference between schottky and german ?
ALSO IMPORTANT: Personal notes regarding practical usages and your experiences are welcome
RE: Choosing the right diode for a given function
Germanium are an older type of diode that sports a much lower forward voltage drop at the expense of being much slower and more temperature sensitive.
Keith Cress
kcress - http://www.flaminsystems.com
RE: Choosing the right diode for a given function
As for books, there are design books. This is not a tutorial site. Anyone who goes into this much detail about diodes might as well have written a book chapter. No one starts off knowing what all the diodes are and when to use them. This is something that you learn on the job, as each design invariably has unique requirements, which is why there are dozens of different diodes.
TTFN
I can do absolutely anything. I'm an expert!
FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies forum1529: Translation Assistance for Engineers