Application Guide for LL4148 Small Signal Diode

03 January 2024


Ⅰ. Overview of LL4148

Ⅱ. Working principle of LL4148 diode

Ⅲ. Technical parameters of LL4148 diode

Ⅳ. Electrical characteristics of LL4148 diode

Ⅴ. Where is LL4148 diode used?

Ⅵ. What is the difference between LL4148 and 1N4148?

Ⅶ. Package of LL4148 diode

Ⅷ. Outlook and development of LL4148 switching diode



LL4148 is a commonly used low-power diode with the characteristics of high speed, high efficiency, and high precision, and is widely used in various electronic equipment. In this article, we will conduct an in-depth study of the characteristics, working principle and applications of the LL4148 diode, and introduce its outlook and development.



Ⅰ. Overview of LL4148

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LL4148 is a fast recovery diode made of silicon material. It has good stability and can work normally in a wide temperature range. The main applications of LL4148 include electrostatic protection in electronic equipment, current limiting protection in signal amplifier circuits, reverse protection in power supply circuits, precision rectification in analog circuits, etc. The fast recovery characteristics of the LL4148 make it excellent in fast signal analysis. In addition, the LL4148 has a low positive voltage drop, making it a very efficient energy conversion device.


Alternatives and equivalents:

• BAS32

DL4148

FDLL4148

1N4148

1N4148WT

1N4154

1N4448



Ⅱ. Working principle of LL4148 diode


LL4148 is a diode with forward and reverse PN junctions. It is composed of two semiconductor materials (usually silicon), one of which is a P-type semiconductor and the other is an N-type semiconductor. The junction between these two is called PN junction. 


Its working principle is based on the characteristics of PN junction. When the diode is at forward voltage (forward biased), current can flow through the PN junction. Under forward voltage, holes at the P terminal and electrons at the N terminal will be pushed to the PN junction, thus forming a current. At this time, the LL4148 behaves like a normal conducting diode. Under reverse voltage, when the voltage exceeds a certain value, the diode will undergo reverse breakdown. In fast recovery diodes such as LL4148, the reverse breakdown voltage is relatively high, making reverse breakdown less likely to occur during normal operation. This helps prevent the diode from conducting for long periods of time under reverse voltage, thereby reducing energy loss.



Ⅲ. Technical parameters of LL4148 diode


• Current: It has a maximum forward continuous operating current of 200 mA and a maximum peak reverse current of 2 A. This means that the diode can operate normally with forward currents less than 200 mA and reverse currents up to 2 A. 


• Voltage: The LL4148 is engineered to endure moderate voltages, exhibiting maximum forward voltages typically around 1 volt, and accommodating larger reverse voltages of up to 100 volts.


• Reverse leakage current: It typically has a reverse leakage current of 25nA, a parameter that determines the diode's reverse conduction capability. Within this parameter range, the LL4148 diode is able to effectively suppress the reverse current, thus ensuring the safety of the circuit.


• Maximum rated current: Its maximum rated current is generally 200mA, which means that the current should not exceed 200mA in forward conduction, otherwise it may cause diode damage or overheating.


• Forward voltage drop: The typical forward voltage drop is around 0.6 V, a crucial parameter in circuit design. Utilizing the forward voltage drop is a common practice for regulating current in the diode.


• Reverse breakdown voltage: Its reverse breakdown voltage is usually around 100 V, which means that the LL4148 diode will not break down if the operating voltage is not more than 100 V.


• Response time: Its response time is very short, usually 4ns, which means that when the diode changes from forward pass state to reverse cutoff, it can quickly return to forward pass state. This characteristic makes the LL4148 diode suitable for high-frequency applications where signals can be switched on and off quickly.



Ⅳ. Electrical characteristics of LL4148 diode


(Values are at TA=23°C unless otherwise noted.)

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The parametric performance of the product is specified within the electrical characteristics for the designated test conditions, unless explicitly stated otherwise. It is crucial to note that the electrical characteristics may not accurately reflect the product's performance if it is operated under conditions different from those specified in the testing parameters. In such instances, the reliability and functionality of the product may vary, and users are advised to adhere to the prescribed test conditions for a reliable assessment of its performance characteristics.



Ⅴ. Where is LL4148 diode used?


LL4148 is widely used in the electronics industry due to its fast switching characteristics and good voltage carrying capacity. In power management systems, the LL4148 enables efficient voltage conversion and reliability. In signal analysis, the LL4148 is suitable for noise removal, waveform shaping and high frequency switching. In power amplifier circuits, it can protect the output tubes in time when abnormalities occur in the amplifier output circuit. It is also commonly used for current limiting in LED driving circuits and other high-speed switching circuits. In addition, it plays an important role in communication equipment and digital technology.



Ⅵ. What is the difference between LL4148 and 1N4148?


LL4148 and 1N4148 belong to the same category of ordinary fast switching diodes. In actual use, there is almost no difference between them. The only difference is the package form and maximum reverse operating voltage. The LL4148 is available in SOD-80 package, while the 1N4148 is available in DO-35 package. The maximum reverse operating voltage of LL4148 is 75V, while the maximum reverse operating voltage of 1N4148 is 100V.



Ⅶ. Package of LL4148 diode


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The LL4148 diode has 80 pins and comes in an SOD package. This is a small package measuring 3.6 mm x 1.5 mm x 1.5 mm. The SOD package not only makes the LL4148 diode smaller, but also provides it with better performance in a compact circuit design space.



Ⅷ. Outlook and development of LL4148 switching diode


As a high-performance, high-stability semiconductor device, the LL4148 switching diode has been widely used in many fields. As technology continues to develop, its prospects will become even broader. In the future, with the continuous miniaturization and high-efficiency development of electronic equipment, people's requirements for LL4148 switching diodes will become higher and higher. Therefore, we need to continue to carry out technological research and development and innovation to improve the performance and stability of LL4148 to meet the changing market needs. At the same time, with the increasing popularity of green environmental protection concepts, low-power and high-efficiency electronic components will also become a future development trend. Therefore, as an efficient and stable component, the LL4148 switching diode will play a more important role in the future.




Frequently Asked Questions


1. Can LL4148 be used in high-frequency applications?


Yes, LL4148 is known for its fast switching speed, making it suitable for high-frequency applications.


2. What is a diode used for?


Diodes can be used as rectifiers, signal limiters, voltage regulators, switches, signal modulators, signal mixers, signal demodulators, and oscillators. The fundamental property of a diode is its tendency to conduct electric current in only one direction.


3. What type of diode is LL4148?


LL4148 is a fast-switching, small-signal diode. It is a silicon diode and belongs to the general-purpose diode category.


4. What is a small signal diode?


A small signal diode is a small non-linear semiconductor which is often used in electronic circuits where high frequencies or small currents are involved in television, radio and digital logic circuits. Small signal diodes are smaller in size compared to regular power diodes.