Special Diode Types

Published:2013/6/18 21:02:00 Author:muriel | Keyword: Special Diode Types | From:SeekIC

Three special types of diodes the model railroader is likely to encounter are the Small Signal diode, Schottky diode and Zener diode. A brief description and some uses of each follows. Small Signal Diodes such a the 1N914 and 1N4148 are low voltage and current diodes but are very fast which makes then ideal for use with very high frequency circuits. These diodes are used in timing and pulse generation circuits. Schottky Diodes such as the 1N5817 and 1N5820 are low voltage diodes but can handle currents of 1 amp and 3 amps respectively. Schottky diodes are fast and are used in DCC systems where high frequency operation is required. Schottky diodes also have a lower forward voltage drop than silicon diodes which makes the useful in low voltage circuits. Zener Diodes are normally used for voltage regulation and are available in a large range of breakdown voltage and device power ratings. The use of this type of diode is not as common now but may still be encountered in older circuit designs.



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