How Can I Identify a Metal Diode with Specific Voltage Requirements?

[STEMucator]

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for a metal diode that has a maximum reverse breakdown voltage of about 11.500 V and a turn on voltage of about 0.750 V.

Below is a plot of the reverse linear IV characteristic where the metal diode is marked by an orange dot.

Below that is a plot of the forward linear IV characteristic where the metal diode is again marked by an orange dot.

I suspect the metal diode is some type of 1NXXXX diode, but I am unsure what specific model it is.

I also remember the diode itself was small and grey with a black strip indicating the cathode.

If anyone might know what specific model this diode is, I would love to know.

Thank you.

 

[jim hardy]

You need an old databook.
This site claims to have the 1966 Motorola databook in a 76 meg pdf file
it'd be worth having. I found a hardcopy decades ago, still a treasure.

https://archive.org/details/bitsavers_motoroladaSemiconductorHandbook2edAug66_80459525

wow https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000EADIQE/?tag=pfamazon01-20
also on ebay
at that price it's a steal.

 

[Svein]

I'm looking for a metal diode that has a maximum reverse breakdown voltage of about 11.500 V and a turn on voltage of about 0.750 V.

Then obviously you are looking for a silicon diode / rectifier. Or do you mean a Zener diode? Anyhow, On semiconductor (http://www.onsemi.com/PowerSolutions/home.do) is the successor to Motorola's discretes. I suggest you look there.

 

[STEMucator]

I think the diode is a 1N4737 after looking at some data sheets. I'm still not 100% certain which diode it is though, what would you guys think?

 

[jim hardy]

would you post a link to the datasheet, or snip&paste ?

 

[STEMucator]

would you post a link to the datasheet, or snip&paste ?

Disregard my last post. I think I found a better option:

The closest $V_Z$ would be the 1N5927B, G with a $V_{Z_{min}} = 11.40 V$

 

[jim hardy]

Are you trying to identify it, or find a replacement ?

Datasheets give other clues besides electrical characteristics, and hints for use.

http://www.onsemi.com/pub_link/Collateral/1N5913B-D.PDF

if the one you tested has a metal case it's probably rated a watt or more
your 1N5927 is a 3 watt as you doubtless noted.

Be aware of importance of keeping the leads short on such a device that's going to be operated near its rated power

old jim

 

[Baluncore]

I also remember the diode itself was small and grey with a black strip indicating the cathode.

How about a photo of the original diode with dimensions. From that we can identify the package standard and then power rating.
A replacement zenner diode can then be selected from currently available parts.