Diode 1N4007 - an ideal tool for building powerful rectifying bridges

The diode 1N4007 is a powerful semiconductor device that is most often used in power supplies. To be more precise - in their rectifying part, that is, in the diode bridge. Its main task is to convert the alternating voltage into a constant voltage, on which most microelectronic components work today. The principle of the diode is as follows. In one direction it is open, and a signal passes through it without problems. If you change the polarity of the signal, it closes and practically does not pass anything through itself.
The diode 1N4007 is produced in Taiwan. This involves the production facilities of DIODES and RECTRON SEMICONDACTOR. There are products of other brands, but much less often.

Characteristics

The main characteristics of the diode 1N4007 is as follows:

• Weight 0.35 g;
• The maximum temperature at soldering 250 degrees on a scale of Celsius no more than 10 seconds;
• The cathode is designated by a special ring, which is applied to the body;
• Maximum (it is also called "peak") voltage - no more than 1000 V;
• The operating temperature ranges from -55 to + 125 degrees Celsius;
• The highest current through the device should not exceed 1 A;
• The maximum voltage drop with an open pn junction is not more than 1 V at a current value of 1 A.

If you pay attention to the maximum permissible value of the potential, you can understand that this is a powerful diode that will work smoothly with 220 or 380 V. Based on this, we can say that it was developed initially for power supplies. The diode 1N4007 is most often found in the rectifying part of the circuit.

Appointment

The main scope of application of 1N4007 is diode bridges. Another, less common field of their use is power electronics. It can be various analog amplifiers. In this case, their implementation can significantly improve the characteristics of the final device. Also, they can be used in regulated power sources, where he managed to prove himself perfectly.

Family

1N4007 is only one of the representatives of the whole family of this class of devices. This also includes 1N4001-1N4006. That is, the last index changes in this series. The smaller it is, the less powerful a semiconductor element is used. With great confidence, we can say that 1N4007 is the most universal and can replace any representative of this family, since it is the most powerful.

Analogues

A complete analogue of the diode 1N4007 among domestic semiconductor products is the KD258D. In turn, similar characteristics are possessed by:

• 10D4, 1N2070, 1N3549 - products of Diotec Semiconductor company;
• BY156, BYW27-1000 - from Thomson;
• BYW43 - from Philips;
• HEPR0056RT is from Motorola.

On this possible list of analogs does not end, but this is the most common replacement options.

Conclusion

The semiconductor element 1N4007 is widely used for various modifications of power supplies. A diode of this class is simply indispensable when creating or repairing most devices of this type. He can replace any unit of his family without problems. 1N4007 features high reliability, low cost, as well as versatility. It was due to these factors that he found wide application.