1N6079 Discrete Semiconductor Products

1N6079 application field and working principle

In the arena of signal rectification, the 1N6079 is a highly versatile step-recovery signal diode. These diodes are designed to perform as high-speed signal rectifiers that can switch high-frequency AC signals coming from external circuits. The 1N6079 signal diode can be used while operating on a low voltage of 4V and a low current of 200mA.

Application Field

The 1N6079 signal diode finds a wide range of applications in several diverse scenarios. These include but are not limited to:

• In oscilloscopes, the 1N6079 signal diode can be used together with a fast-recovery silicon diode in a circuit. This combination makes an effective signal rectifying system that can switch off AC signals at data values of up to 10kV.
• High-frequency operation of certain oscillators such as voltage-controlled oscillators and sweep oscillators requires the use of a fast-recovery rectifying diode; the 1N6079 will be a suitable choice in such situations.
• It is used in circuits for controlling the pausing and restarting of RF signals.
• In some radio circuits, it is necessary to transmit one frequency from a pair of AC signals. This can be accurately done with the aid of a 1N6079 signal diode.

Working Principle

The 1N6079 signal diode is a step recovery diode; this means that it can switch from OFF to ON state within an extremely short period of microseconds. When in OFF state, the diode is reverse-biased and no current flows through it. As the voltage between the Anode and Cathode terminals reaches its peak, the diode rapidly changes its state to ON. This result in the availability of a conduction path between Anode and Cathode. The 1N6079 signal diode is mainly used in circuits when it is necessary to switch AC signals, because it offers a very high input capacitance.

With a typical recovery time of between 1-60 microseconds, the 1N6079 can switch off AC signals within this time. It is also very efficient in terms of power consumption, and typically consumes between 0.5 and 4μA, depending on the voltage applied.

Package Details

The 1N6079 signal diode is available in three common packages that can easily fit into any PCB layout:

• TO-18 – This is a single-in-line package with a diameter of 0.17 inches. It is designed to be used in a surface mount application.
• DO-41 – This is an axial package which has a diameter of 0.15 inches. It is designed to be used in a through-hole application.
• RS-24 – This is another single-in-line package which has a diameter of 0.1 inches. It is also designed to be used in a surface mount application.

Conclusion

The 1N6079 signal diode is a highly versatile step-recovery diode that finds application in a wide variety of scenarios. It is available in three common packages, namely TO-18, DO-41, and RS-24, and offers a very high input capacitance. It is also power efficient and can switch off AC signals within a time period of 1-60 microseconds. The 1N6079 diode can be used in low voltage and low current conditions.