Rectifiers & Schottky Diodes

When designing electronic circuits, you need to make sure you have the right components so everything functions as it should. Rectifier diodes and Schottky diodes are two components that are commonly used to affect the current within a circuit. These are individual discrete semiconductors that perform a specific action within a circuit, having similar but distinct purposes.

We stock a variety of rectifier and Schottky diodes, including single and dual Schottky diodes, offered from the leading brands on the market. You can find components from ON Semiconductor, Diodes Inc, and Vishay to cover all your potential electronic circuit requirements.

What's the difference between rectifier diodes and Schottky diodes?

Schottky devices, taking their name from German physicist Walter Schottky, are used within many electronic industries due to their switching speeds and efficiency, as well as their innate sensitivity. Schottky diodes, also called Schottky barrier diodes, have a junction comprised of an n-type (cathode) semiconductor and a metal plate. They are used in low voltage circuits because of their low voltage drop.

Rectifier diodes typically use P-N junction diodes, usually with a configuration of multiple diodes. They are used prevalently because currents frequently need to be converted from alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) voltage. While they have a higher forward voltage drop, they also have a high breakdown voltage that can be useful when rectifying currents.

The difference in junction configuration and voltage attributes makes each of them suitable for similar applications within specific types of circuits.

What makes Schottky diodes useful?

Schottky diodes are metal semiconductors that are fantastic for when you need a fast switching action in combination with a low forward voltage drop. While standard diodes have a voltage drop between 0.6 and 0.7 volts, Schottky diodes have a drop between 0.15 and 0.45 volts. This is what gives Schottky diodes their quick switching ability and drives the improved efficiency of a system.

When working with low voltage circuits, this reduced voltage drop is useful. This is because there will still be ample voltage for further use within the circuit.

Schottky diodes can also be used as rectifier diodes to create Schottky rectifiers. As Schottky diodes have good recovery characteristics, this can be useful when fast switching is a primary consideration. One drawback to this is that Schottky rectifiers have a lower operational temperature (between 125-175°C) than that offered by P-N junction rectifiers (200°C).

What are rectifier diodes used for?

Rectifier diodes are a crucial component used within power supply circuits to convert AC voltage into DC voltage. Rectifier diodes only allow the flow of an electrical current to move in one direction when operating from a power supply. It's why diodes in circuit diagrams are drawn with an arrow-shaped symbol denoting the direction the current is flowing.

Bridge rectifiers also use a combination of these diodes to achieve the rectification of current by configuring them to allow for a more efficient conversion of voltage. This can be incredibly valuable in high-voltage applications where you need a rectifier with a high peak inverse voltage (PIV).

As rectifier diodes can manipulate AC voltage into DC, the current can be used to power various household electronics and white goods. Other applications of rectifier diodes include isolating signals from a supply, controlling the size of a signal, and mixing signals.

RS has everything you need

You'll find our full range of Schottky diodes and rectifiers below for you to browse through so you can get exactly what you need. This includes both 1n5711 Schottky diodes and 1n5822 Schottky diodes, so you can acquire your ideal components and build electronic circuits to your exact specifications.

We strive to provide our customers with outstanding service, whether you're buying diodes, electronic components, or anything else from our site. If you're looking for something specific but can't seem to find it, you can get in touch with one of our sales teams who can give you a hand in getting you the things you need.