Working principle and category of crystal diodes 4

Main parameters of diodes

The technical indicators used to indicate the performance and applicability of a diode are called diode parameters. Different types of diodes have different characteristic parameters. For beginners, it is necessary to understand the following main parameters:

1. Rated forward working current

It refers to the maximum forward current value that a diode is allowed to pass through during long-term continuous operation. Because the current passing through the tube will cause the core to heat up and the temperature to rise. When the temperature exceeds the allowable limit (around 140 for silicon tubes and around 90 for germanium tubes), the core will overheat and be damaged. So, do not exceed the rated forward working current value of the diode during use. For example, the rated forward operating current of the commonly used IN4001-4007 germanium diodes is 1A.

2. Maximum reverse operating voltage

When the reverse voltage applied across the diode reaches a certain value, it will break down the tube and lose its unidirectional conductivity. In order to ensure safety during use, the maximum reverse working voltage value has been specified. For example, the reverse withstand voltage of IN4001 diode is 50V, and the reverse withstand voltage of IN4007 is 1000V.