Overview

Rectifier diode and fast recovery diode are both types of diodes, but they have obvious differences in use, performance and structure, as follows:

1.Application

  • Rectifier diode: Mainly used in low-frequency circuits to rectify AC to DC. For example, it is used as a rectifier in power adapters.
  • Fast recovery diode: Mainly used in high-frequency circuits, such as switching power supplies and inverter circuits, to handle high-speed current changes.

2.Recovery Time

  • Rectifier: The reverse recovery time is relatively long (usually tens of microseconds), suitable for low-frequency applications.
  • Fast recovery diode: The reverse recovery time is relatively short (usually tens of nanoseconds to hundreds of nanoseconds), suitable for high-frequency working occasions.

3.Reverse Recovery Characteristics

  • Rectifier Diode: The reverse recovery current is large, which can easily cause circuit interference or loss at high frequencies.
  • Fast Recovery Diode: The reverse recovery current is small, and the characteristics are optimized to be more suitable for high-frequency circuits.

4.Materials and Processes

  • Rectifier Diode: Generally made of ordinary silicon materials, the process is simple.
  • Fast Recovery Diode: Usually uses a special doping process to optimize the recovery time.

5.Operating Frequency

Rectifier Diode: It is suitable for power frequency (50Hz/60Hz) or lower frequency circuits.
Fast Recovery Diode: It can work in high-frequency circuits from tens of kilohertz to several megahertz.

Summary

If it is used for low-frequency rectification, just choose a rectifier tube;
If it is used in high-frequency applications or circuits that require switching speed, choose a fast recovery diode.

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