[Elecraft] 1N4007 diode question?

[Don Brown]

Hi

The 1n4000 series of diodes are general purpose rectifier diodes designed
for low frequency use primarily 60 Hz power supplies. The construction is
the same for the series except the 1n4007. The lower voltage diodes are
basic PN junctions and would not work as a RF switch. The 1n4007 however has
an extra intrinsic (undoped) layer forming the P-I-N junction. This is, I
would guess, is to get the 1Kv PIV rating but it also allows the 1n4007 to
work as a RF switch like a true PIN diode The RF characteristics are not
specified on this diode because it is not designed to do this type of work
it just happened to work out that way and they are very cheap. True PIN
diodes work better than the 1n4007 but are more expensive and not as readily
available. Elecraft has designed the RF switching to work with the 1n4007
and making substations of different diodes may not work. Other 1n4000 series
defiantly do not have the PIN structure so they will not work.

Don Brown
KD5NDB


----- Original Message -----
From: "Bob Lewis (AA4PB)" <rlewis@staffnet.com>
To: <elecraft@mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Sunday, April 06, 2003 7:55 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] 1N4007 diode question?


> > Do not sub the 1n4007 with a lower voltage diode.
>
> Could be. All the Fairchild 1N400x series however use the very same
> specification sheet and the only difference shown is the voltage. If
> we are working with a non-specified parameter, I wonder if there is
> also a difference between manufacturers. Perhaps Wayne can provide
> some additional info.