Everything You Need To Know About 1N4004 Diode

Image source: Farnell Ireland

1N4004 diode is considered among the top rectifier diodes in the market. It is a pretty small diode that has a wide range of applications in the electrics and electronics industry. You can use it for both small and major projects.

Whether you are pursuing some hobby projects or you are in the business of importing supplying diodes for sale, this article is perfect for you.

We are going to look at all the technical details that you should know about 1n4004 diode.

I will also give you sure tips on how to select these diodes from the best suppliers in China.

1N4004 Pinout

This diode has  a basic pinout that comprises of two pins. These are the Anode and the Cathode pins.  The anode pin allows electric current to get into the diode while the cathode pin allows current to exit the diode

Features and properties of 1n4004 diode

Now let’s look at the key featutures that define this diode.

It is a rectifying diode

1N4004 is categorized as a rectifying diode. This means that it allows electric current to flow towards one direction and not  in the other direction.

This  is an important feature  as it makes the diode an ideal tool in converting current from AC to DC.

The rectifying property also  allows the diode to serves a switch whereby it opens when the voltage is across the negative terminal and close when the voltage is positive. This implies that the diode conducts only at the positive half-cycle waveform. In doing so, it cancels the waveform of the AC so that you end up with a DC current.

Maximum voltage rating of 400V

When it comes to the electrical property, 1N4004 diode has a maximum voltage rating of 400 volts. Technically, this is the maximum reverse voltage implying that the deiode is capable of withstanding up to 400V reverse  volatge without being distorted.

In the real world, the maximum reverse voltage of a diode is reached at depending on the material properties and the application areas of the diode. Some applications will require high reverse voltage.

The voltage should guarantee safety and performance of the appliances that depend on the diode.

Maximum forward current of 1A

This technical specification means that 1N4004 diode refers to the maximum amount of current thatcan safely flow through the diode when it is in the forward bia state without causing any form of damage.

For this case, the maximum current is 1A.

You should pay attention to the current chaarcteristic of a diode as it defines the maximum power that the  diode can handle when installed in your application or device.

So, if you buy a 1N4004 diode, ensure that the current need of the application area does not exceed IA as it will be incompatible with the diode.

You shoud also take note that there is a close relationship between the current rating of the diode and the thermal properties. The rating  indicates that the diode can executes its functions smoothly without overheating.

1N4004 recovery time

The recovery time of a diode refers to the total time taken by a diode to reseume to its original state just after it has conducted current. In other words, it is the time taken by the diode to go off after it has been on.

1N4004 has a fast recovery time. It takes a very short period t change from one state to another.

The short recovery time of this rectifying diode makes it an ideal option for the fast-frequency applications.

The fast recovery time plays a role in the conservation of current. It cuts out the possibility of power loss during the conduction phase.

Keep in mind that there are several factors that determine the recovery period of a diode. The most important one is the capacitance of a diode. Fast recovery time is usually preferred in most applications.

DO-41 package

1N4004 features a DO-41 package. This type of packaging  is characterized by a cylindrical  glass encasing and the axial of the diode extend on the two ends of the package.

This type of packaging allows the diode to be easily mounted onto a printed circuit board.

DO-41 is used in most diodes and even other electronics due to its numerous desirable features. For instance, it is cheap and easily available. Also, we cannot underestimate the reliability of the DO-41 packaging.

Low forward voltage drop bias

This is another key property of the  1N4004 diode. This the voltage drop across the diode when it is forwadr-biased. The voltage drop is mainly due to the internal resistance of the diode whereby some power will be lost.

The fact that 1N4004 diode has a low forward bias voltage drop means that there is minimal power loss when the diode is in operation. It also implies that the diode has desirable efficency whereby much of the power will be converted into the intended use. Low voltage drop also guarantees long lifspan of the diode and at the same time minimizes cases of overheating.

Physical and mechanical properties

1N4004  is a small diode that is epoxy molded. As we have mentioned, it comprises of two pins, the anode and the cathode which is indicated by the polarity band.

The surface of the diode features a corrosion-resistant finishing. The lead terninals have been soldered into the diode for easy connection  with the external components. The diode weights approximately 0.4 gram.

1N4004 applications

Image source Sparkfun Learn

From the features and properties, you can tell that 1N4004 diode has  wide range of applications. These applications include:

-Rectifying: Here, the diode serves as a half wave and full wave rectifier.

-Regulate the flow of current: The diode is used to bias the flow of current to a desired direction

-Serves as a protection device: There are various ways in which 1N4004 protects the circuit from the dangers of overcurrent and overvoltage. For example, it protects the circuit from voltage spikes, especially when  in the reverse bias mode.

Conclusion

From this article, we agree that N14004 is an essential rectifier diode that has a wide range of applications.In  case it fits into your application, ensure you get a quality one. And this is where ICRFQ comes in.

We are a reputable 1N4004 diode  supplier in China. Contact us for any queries and we will be ready to help you.

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