The 1N4001 diode is from a group of general-purpose silicon rectifier diodes that are mainly used in AC adaptors especially in common household appliances. This diode is the first of this series and can withstand peaks of up to 30A. Its maximum carrying capacity is however 1A which is why it’s mainly used in circuits that require less than this.
The 1N4001 General Purpose Silicon Rectifier Diode has a reverse current of 5uA. This is relatively negligent. It can however withstand a reverse voltage peak of no more than 50V. The 1N4007 diode is fairly low-speed and is not suitable for switching applications.
1N4001 Datasheet
According to its datasheet, some of the main specs of the diode are:
- High current capability
- Diffused junction capacitance of 15pF
- Low forward voltage drop
- Lead-free finish
- Non-repetitive peak current of 30A
- Peak reverse current of 50V
- Available in DO-41 Package
- Reverse current of 5uA.]
- Maximum DC Blocking Voltage Temperature of +150
- Operating and Storage Temperature Range -65 to +150 °C
The following are the key application areas for the diode:
- Current flow regulators
- Prevention or reverse polarity issues
- Used as protection devices
- Full-wave and half-wave rectifiers
1N4001 Pinout
The 1N4001 diode has 2 pins which you should be able to identify easily so that you can use it efficiently. It comes with an anode (+) and a cathode (-). Based on the schematic symbols, the cathode is represented by the tip of the triangle that also has a line at the top. It’s marked on the diode by a band and only allows the current to flow in one direction; from the anode to the cathode and never the other way round. Think of this diode as a one-way electric valve.
1N4001 Equivalents and Replacement Detail
The replacements for the 1N4001 diode are 1N4733A,1N4148, 1N5822, 1N5408, and Zener Diodes.
