1N400x rectifier diodes

The 1N400x (or 1N4001 or 1N4000^[1]) series is a family of popular one-ampere general-purpose silicon rectifier diodes commonly used in AC adapters for common household appliances. Its blocking voltage varies from 50 volts (1N4001) to 1000 volts (1N4007). This JEDEC device number series is available in the DO-41 axial package. ^[2][3] Diodes with similar ratings are available in SMA and MELF surface mount packages (in other part number series).^[4][5]

1N4001 diode in DO-41 axial package (through hole mount)

A schematic symbol for general-purpose silicon rectifier diodes

Current-voltage characteristics of a 1N4001 at different temperatures

The 1N540x (or 1N5400) series is a similarly popular family of diodes rated 3 Amperes, which has a larger DO-201AD axial package to dissipate heat better.^[6][7]

History

The 1N400x series was originally introduced by Motorola's Semiconductor Products Division and registered at JEDEC in 1963 as silicon power rectifiers used primarily for military and industrial applications.^[8] It appeared in the Motorola Semiconductor Data Manual in 1965, as replacements for 1N2609 through 1N2617.^[9] The 1N540x series were announced in Electrical Design News in 1968, along with the now lesser-known 1.5 A 1N5391 series.^[10]

Overview

These devices are widely used and recommended for general-purpose power-frequency rectifier use.^[11][12] They are commonly used as rectifiers in AC adapters of electrical appliances to convert AC to DC,^[13] and are also used in other types of power converters,^[2] or as freewheeling diodes to protect circuits from inductive loads.^[2]

These are fairly low-speed rectifier diodes, being inefficient for square waves of more than 15 kHz.^{[14] [verification needed]} They are not designed for switching applications; datasheets often do not specify any information on their turn-on and turn-off characteristics.^[15]

Compared with signal diodes, rectifier diodes generally have higher current ratings, can have much higher reverse voltage ratings, but have higher leakage current and greater junction capacitance.^[16]

The following table lists part numbers in the 1N400x, 1N540x, and other popular general-purpose silicon rectifier diode families.

Diode part numbers

Voltage	Through-hole axial package					Surface-mount package
	1 A (DO-41)	1.5 A (DO-15)	3 A (DO-201AD)	6 A (R-6)	10 A (R-6)	1 A (MELF)	3 A (MELF)	1 A (SMA)	1 A (SMA)	2 A (SMB)	3 A (SMC)	5 A (SMC)
50 Volt	1N4001	1N5391	1N5400	6A05	10A05	SM4001	SM5400	M1	S1A	S2A	S3A	S5A
100 Volt	1N4002	1N5392	1N5401	6A1	10A1	SM4002	SM5401	M2	S1B	S2B	S3B	S5B
200 Volt	1N4003	1N5393	1N5402	6A2	10A2	SM4003	SM5402	M3	S1D	S2D	S3D	S5D
400 Volt	1N4004	1N5395	1N5404	6A4	10A4	SM4004	SM5404	M4	S1G	S2G	S3G	S5G
600 Volt	1N4005	1N5397	1N5406	6A6	10A6	SM4005	SM5406	M5	S1J	S2J	S3J	S5J
800 Volt	1N4006	1N5398	1N5407	6A8	10A8	SM4006	SM5407	M6	S1K	S2K	S3K	S5K
1000 Volt	1N4007	1N5399	1N5408	6A10	10A10	SM4007	SM5408	M7	S1M	S2M	S3M	S5M
Datasheet	[2][3][17]	[18]	[6][7][19]	[20][21]	[22][23]	[5]	[24]	[4]	[25]	[26]	[27]	[28]

See also

• 1N4148 signal diode
• 1N58xx Schottky diodes
• Diode bridge
• Flyback diode