1N5402

Diodes - Rectifiers - Single

The 1N5402 diode is a basic diode rectifier that is commonly used in rectification, particularly in the construction of power supplies. It is a three-terminal device, often found in TO-220 or TO-251 packages.

Application Field

The 1N5402 diode is a general purpose diode, and it is widely used in different types of applications. High-reliability and low-power applications such as automobile computers, lightening control systems, telecom products and power-critical portable products employ the 1N5402 rectifier. It can also be used for power switching, given its high voltage and current ratings.

Working Principle

The 1N5402 is a basic diode rectifier. It is a three-terminal device that has two anode terminals and a single cathode terminal. The anode terminals are labelled ‘A’ and ‘A2’ and the cathode is labelled \'C\'. When forward biased (electric current is applied to the Anodes A and A2), the diode begins to conduct and current flows through it. When the voltage across the contacts is reversed, the 1N5402 stops conducting, or ‘blocks’ any current.

The traditional rectifier diode is made from a single p-n junction diode, and this is the case with the 1N5402. The p-n junction is made from silicon crystals and the diode is filled with the positive ions. When positive electric current is applied to the Anode, it causes the diode to become forward biased and allows current to flow freely through the device. In addition, the 1N5402 has built-in protection against excessive current and thermal derating, making them an ideal choice for situations that require reliable current rectification with fast switching.

Conclusion

Overall, the 1N5402 diode is a general purpose diode widely used in different types of applications. The 1N5402 is a basic diode rectifier that allows current to flow freely through the device when forward biased and blocks any current when the voltage across the contacts is reversed. It is a three-terminal device with two anode terminals and a single cathode terminal, and it has built-in protection against excessive current and thermal derating.