How to find the right Diodes AI guide

What the AI looks for in Diodes

Repetitive peak reverse voltage (VRRM)

Rated comfortably above the highest reverse voltage the diode will see, including spikes; a margin of 20% or more is common practice Exceeding the reverse rating causes breakdown and usually destroys rectifier and Schottky parts.

Average forward current (IF(AV)) and surge (IFSM)

Continuous rating above the real load current after derating for ambient temperature; surge rating covers inrush such as capacitor charging Datasheet current ratings assume specific lead or case temperatures that hobby builds rarely achieve.

Diode type for the job

Standard rectifier for mains-frequency rectification, fast or ultrafast recovery or Schottky for switching supplies, Zener for voltage clamping or reference, TVS for surge protection A standard rectifier in a high-frequency switching circuit runs hot and loses efficiency because of slow reverse recovery.

Forward voltage drop (VF)

Check VF at your actual current, not at the low test current VF sets conduction loss and heat, and matters most in low-voltage battery and power circuits.

Package and mounting

Through-hole (DO-35, DO-41, DO-201) for breadboards and repairs; SMD (SOD-123, SMA, SMB, SMC) for PCB assembly; match the footprint on the board Package also limits heat dissipation, so the same die can carry less current in a smaller case.