1N4001 and 1N4148 Diodes: What's the Difference?
10 November 2023
Ⅱ.Overview of 1N4001 rectifier diode
Ⅲ. Overview of 1N4148 switching diode
Ⅵ. 1N4001 vs 1N4148: Technical parameters
Ⅷ. 1N4001 vs 1N4148: Applications
Ⅸ. How to choose 1N4001 and 1N4148?
A diode is a two-terminal device made of semiconductor material that conducts electricity in one direction. It has a wide range of applications and can be used in rectification, switching, limiting and other circuits. It is one of the simplest power devices. Today, we will introduce two common diodes in detail, namely the 1N4001 rectifier diode and the 1N4148 switching diode, and know about the differences between them.
A diode is an electronic device made of semiconductor materials (silicon, selenium, germanium, etc.). It has two electrodes, namely the positive electrode (anode) and the negative electrode (cathode). When we apply a forward voltage between the two poles of the diode, the diode conducts; when a reverse voltage is applied, the diode turns off. The turning on and off of the diode is equivalent to the turning on and off of the switch. By employing diodes, resistors, capacitors, inductors, and other components to establish logical connections, diverse circuits can be created to fulfill various purposes, including AC rectification, modulation signal detection, limiting and clamping, as well as stabilizing power supply voltage.
The 1N4001 is part of the widely used 1N400x diode series family, serving as a common low-power rectifier diode. Similar to a standard diode, it permits current flow exclusively from the anode terminal to the cathode terminal. With a maximum current-carrying capacity of 1 amp and the ability to withstand peaks of up to 30 amps, this diode is encapsulated in a compact DO-41 package. It boasts a power dissipation of 3 watts, a forward current rating of 1 amp, and a storage temperature range spanning from -65°C to 175°C.
The 1N4001 diodes find primary application in general-purpose tasks and rectification across a range of electronic circuit uses. They play an important role in power circuits within electronic devices, facilitating the conversion of AC voltage to DC voltage and effectively blocking voltage at specific points.
Replacements and equivalents:
• BY299
• FR107
• UF4002
• 1N4002
• 1N4003
1N4148 is a small high-speed switching diode with very fast switching speed, so it is widely used in circuits with higher signal frequencies for one-way conduction isolation. The 1N4148 has a maximum current carrying capacity of 300mA, which means it can handle currents up to 2A. Its characteristic is that when the forward current is 10mA, its fast recovery time is only 8ns. This diode is particularly suitable for applications requiring very fast switching, high-speed rectification, and protection in the home and telecommunications industries.
Replacements and equivalents:
• 1N4448
• 1N4448WS
• 1N914
• 1N916A
• 1N916B
1. Features of 1N4001
• High temperature soldering guaranteed
• Low reverse leakage
• The lead wire and tube body comply with ROHS standards.
• High forward surge capability
2. Features of 1N4148
• Has high electrical conductivity
• The junction capacitance of 4pF and the reverse recovery time of 4nS are sufficient for most occasions.
• It is encapsulated in glass and has high reliability.
• Its switching speed is fast and can be used for one-way conduction isolation in circuits with higher signal frequency.
• Its recovery time is very short and can recover from the on state to the off state faster.
The above picture shows the parameter comparison between 1N4001 and 1N4148. The two are different in dimensions, forward voltage, reverse current, maximum reverse voltage, average forward current, forward voltage drop and temperature.
The 1N4001 diode comes in a black plastic DO-41 package. This package form is commonly used for small-signal diodes and has high stability.
The 1N4148 diode is packaged in glass DO-35. This package style is more common and is commonly used with Zener diodes and other diode types. Glass-encased diodes demonstrate superior performance in high-frequency applications due to their lower capacitance and enhanced thermal stability.
1N4001 is a forward conducting diode and is widely used in DC circuits. This diode plays an important role in rectifier circuits, converting alternating current into direct current. Because of its lower frequency and larger current capacity, it is often used in power supply applications.
The 1N4148 is a fast recovery diode suitable for high frequency and small signal applications. It is often used in signal shaping, fast switching and other circuits that require fast response.
There are three main situations when selecting 1N4007 rectifier diodes. First, for applications requiring power supply design, AC to DC rectification, or applications with large voltage and power requirements, the 1N4007 provides reliable performance. Secondly, when handling higher current levels (typically above 200mA), the 1N4007's 1A rating makes it better suited to handle these requirements. Finally, if our application involves high voltage levels (usually above 100V), the 1N4007 is also a good choice.
There are four main situations for selecting the 1N4148 small-signal diode. First, in low-voltage applications, especially when circuits operate in the voltage range below 100V, the 1N4148 can meet the needs because it is rated for 100V. Second, in high-frequency applications, its fast switching speed (fast recovery time) gives it an advantage in high-frequency circuits and signal processing applications. It is also a good choice for small signal needs such as amplifiers, oscillators, or small signal applications that protect sensitive components. Finally, we can also consider the 1N4148 in situations where forward voltage drop needs to be minimized, such as in low-power circuits or when energy efficiency is a concern.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is a 1N4148 a Zener diode?
Interestingly, it is a common misconception amongst most designers that the 1N4148 is a Zener diode. While the Zener diode conducts in both directions, the 1N4148 conducts only in the forward biased condition.
2. What type of diode is 1N4148?
The 1N4148 is a standard silicon switching signal diode. It is one of the most popular and long-lived switching diodes because of its dependable specifications and low cost. Its name follows the JEDEC nomenclature.
3. Can I use 1N4148 instead of 1N4001?
Either of those diodes should work, but the 1N4001 is a better choice because it is the "bigger" device: the 4001 is a 1 amp rectifier, whereas the 4148 is a 100mA little signal device. For small relays, it's fine.
4. What is the 1N4148 diode used for?
1N4148 diode is mainly used for quick switching purposes, so these are known as switching diodes. The main functionality of these diodes is the same as a normal switch. These diodes have high resistance under a fixed voltage whereas they have low resistance above the fixed voltage.
5. What is 1N4001 Diode used for?
The 1N400x (or 1N4001 or 1N4000) series is a family of popular one-ampere general-purpose silicon rectifier diodes commonly used in AC adapters for common household appliances.
