V10P12-M3/87A

Diodes - Rectifiers - Single

The V10P12-M3/87A is a single rectifier diode as part of a wide range of rectifier diodes offered by Vishay. Single rectifier diodes are individual semiconductor devices with two terminals structured in such a manner as to allow electron flow in only one direction with little or no resistance.

The V10P12-M3/87A is a general purpose surface mount rectifier with a power dissipation of 5W, a maximum forward current of 5A, and a forward voltage of 1.2V. Its features also include very low reverse leakage current and fast switching speed. The V10P12-M3/87A can be used in a wide range of applications, including alternator and starter systems, battery charging, DC/DC converters, voltage stabilizers, and power supplies.

The working principle of a single rectifier diode, such as the V10P12-M3/87A, is based on the behaviors of both p-type and n-type semiconductor material. In a single rectifier diode, one terminal is connected to p-type semiconductor material and the other terminal is connected to n-type semiconductor material. At the connecting interface between the two materials, a “rectifying junction” is formed, in which only one type of charge will flow depending on the direction of the applied external voltage. By controlling the voltage across the rectifying junction, current flows can be regulated.

In order to let current flow in only one direction, the p-type material is higher in potential by a certain amount than the n-type material, known as the “forward voltage,” which is a property of all rectifier diodes. When the external voltage, applied across the rectifying junction, is greater than the forward voltage, current will flow from the p-type to the n-type material; conversely, if the voltage is less than the forward voltage, no current will flow. The amount of current flowing through the diode, known as the “forward current,” is limited by the manufacturing process and is a property of the particular rectifier diode.

The V10P12-M3/87A, with a forward voltage of 1.2V and a forward current of 5A, can effectively regulate the current flow of any application requiring a voltage less than 1.2V. It is suitable for use in alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) rectification, voltage regulation, and a wide variety of other uses.