The maximum peak reverse voltage of the 1N4002, according to the specifications, does not exceed 100 V. This subminiature electronic component is a very popular rectifier diode in its dimensions, capable of withstanding fairly large surge currents up to 30 A. At the same time, it is one of the weakest in the 1N400x series.
The semiconductor device in question appeared in Motorola’s documentation in 1965 and was offered as a replacement for the obsolete, at that time, 1N2609. In 1963, for the first time, information about it was specified in the JEDEC standard. Its main purpose is AC rectification. It can also be used to protect circuits with inductive loads.
The pinout
We will consider the 1N4002 pinout in DO-41 Package, which can be either plastic or glass (analogue of DO-204L and SOD66) with two axial leads (electrodes), designed for high currents and voltages. This package is slightly larger than for conventional DO-35 signal diodes. The device is designed for mounting on a board in through holes.
This low power diode is also available in the DO-214AC package, which is the smallest package in the DO-214xx series.
Specifications
According to the 1n4002 specification, it can be attributed to rectifier diodes. Most often, it is used as an AC rectifier in equipment for various purposes, including voltage converters, power supplies, etc. Let’s consider the main parameters of the device in more detail.
Maximum specifications 1N4002:
- Peak Repetitive Reverse Volt (VRRM) – 100 V;
- Working Peak Reverse Volt (VRWM) – 100 V;
- DC Blocking Volt (VR) – 100 V;
- Non–Repetitive Peak Reverse Volt (VRSM) – 120 V;
- RMS Reverse Volt VR(RMS) – 70 V;
- Average Rectified Forward Current (IO) – 1.0 A;
- Non–Repetitive Peak Surge Current (IFSM) – 30 A (for 1 cycle);
- Temperature Range (Tstg) -65 to +175 oС.
Increased loads (more than the maximum values) negatively affect the performance of the device and can disable it. At the same time, a slight short-term excess of any one of the above limitations is unlikely to affect the reliability and further operation. For normal operation, it is necessary to provide a 30% margin for parameters and appropriate cooling.
The table below shows the electrical characteristics of the 1n4002 diode:
| Rating | Symbol | Typ | Max | Unit |
| Maximum Instantaneous Forward Voltage Drop (iF = 1.0 Amp, TJ = 25°C) | vF | 0.93 | 1.1 | Volts |
| Maximum Full–Cycle Average Forward Voltage Drop (IO = 1.0 Amp, TL = 75°C, 1 inch lea | VF(AV) | – | 0.8 | Volts |
| Maximum Reverse Current (rated dc voltage) (TJ = 25°C) (TJ = 100°C) | IR | 0.05 1.0 | 10 50 | uA |
| Maximum Full–Cycle Average Reverse Current (IO = 1.0 Amp, TL = 75°C, 1 inch leads) | IR(AV) | – | 30 | uA |
A small leakage current (up to 5 µA) can rise with an increase in ambient temperature (+75°C) to a value of 50 µA.
Equivalents
At present, it is quite difficult to find a high-quality full equivalent for 1N4002. At the same time, the search for a suitable replacement often does not make sense due to the wide availability of the latter on sale from different manufacturers. In almost any radio parts store, it is sold at a very low price.
In some cases, as an alternative, it is recommended to install more modern EM513, EM518. However, they are often twice the price. Therefore, any device from the 1N400xx series, with the exception of the weaker 1N4001, would be preferable.
If the size of the package does not matter, then rectifier diodes from the 1N540x series may be suitable as a replacement.
Manufacturers
Motorola is known to no longer release the 1n4002 at this time. Its more famous manufacturers are now: Vishay Siliconix, Onsemi, Diotec. You can download their datasheet for 1N4002 from this link.
