1. Overview

Single rectifier diodes are two-terminal semiconductor devices that allow current to flow in one direction while blocking reverse current. As fundamental components in power electronics, they convert alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) through rectification. These discrete components are critical in power supply circuits, motor drives, and voltage regulation systems, enabling efficient energy conversion in industrial, automotive, and consumer electronics applications.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

Type	Functional Characteristics	Typical Applications
Silicon Diodes	High thermal stability, 0.7V forward voltage drop	General-purpose rectifiers in power supplies
Germanium Diodes	Low forward voltage (0.3V), lower efficiency	Low-voltage signal rectification
Schottky Diodes	Low VF (0.2-0.4V), fast switching	High-frequency converters, clamping circuits
Fast Recovery Diodes	Reverse recovery time <50ns	Switching power supplies, inverters
Avalanche Diodes	Precise reverse breakdown voltage	Voltage reference circuits

3. Structure and Composition

Single rectifier diodes typically consist of:

• Doped semiconductor materials (silicon/germanium) forming P-N junction
• Metallurgical contacts with molybdenum/silver alloys
• Encapsulation in plastic/ceramic packages (DO-41, TO-220, SMD)
• Lead materials: Tin-plated copper or alloy 42

The junction structure determines current handling capability and switching characteristics, with modern designs incorporating guard rings and surface passivation layers to enhance performance.

4. Key Technical Specifications

Parameter	Description	Importance
Max Forward Current (IFM)	1A-200A range	Determines power handling capacity
Reverse Breakdown Voltage (VR)	50V-1500V range	Prevents damage from voltage spikes
Forward Voltage Drop (VF)	0.3V-1.5V	Impacts conduction losses
Reverse Recovery Time (trr)	10ns-5 s	Switching performance indicator
Thermal Resistance (R JC)	1-50 C/W	Dictates cooling requirements

5. Application Fields

Key industries utilizing single rectifiers:

• Power electronics: Switching power supplies, battery chargers
• Automotive: Alternator rectifier modules, on-board chargers
• Renewables: Solar inverters, wind turbine converters
• Industrial: Variable frequency drives, welding machines
• Consumer: Mobile device adapters, LED drivers

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

Manufacturer	Product Series	Key Specifications
ON Semiconductor	MUR1560	15A, 600V, 35ns trr
STMicroelectronics	STTH1R06A	1A, 600V, 50ns trr
Infineon	DDTH10006TPL	10A, 600V, Schottky type
Diodes Inc.	1N5819	1A, 40V, 10ns trr

7. Selection Guidelines

Design engineers should consider:

• Current/voltage ratings with 20% safety margin
• Switching frequency requirements
• Operating temperature range
• Package type (through-hole vs SMD)
• Cost vs performance trade-offs

Example: For a 1200W server power supply, select a diode with 35A IFM, 600V VR rating, and trr <100ns to ensure reliable operation at 100kHz switching frequency.

8. Industry Trends

Future developments include:

• Wide bandgap (SiC/GaN) diodes enabling higher efficiency
• Miniaturization through advanced packaging technologies
• Integration with protection circuits (TVS, current limiting)
• Automotive-grade devices for 800V EV systems
• Improved reliability for harsh environments (IP67 ratings)