In many common power supply circuits, the 1N5404 is a diode that shows up quite often. It belongs to the 1N5400 family, known for handling relatively high current while remaining affordable. You’ll find it widely used in rectifiers, adapters, battery chargers, and even DIY electronics projects.
📌Key specifications engineers usually care about
- Maximum forward current (IF) = 3A → This makes it suitable for power loops up to 2–3A, such as small motor drivers and battery charging circuits.
- Repetitive peak reverse voltage (VRRM) = 400V → Good enough for 220V AC rectification. For higher voltage applications, other models in the same family may be needed.
- Package: DO-201AD → Larger than the 1N4007 series, which also means better heat dissipation.
In short, the 1N5404 is a solid “current-tolerant” general-purpose rectifier diode—practical and reliable.
📌Typical applications of the 1N5404
Beyond specifications, engineers also consider the range of applications for the 1N5404 and whether it is suitable for their project：
- 1N5404 can convert AC to DC, often seen in small appliances and low-power adapters for 110V/220V mains.
- Its 3A current capability is suitable for some small and medium-sized chargers, such as lead-acid battery chargers and electric vehicle simple chargers.
- 1N5404 diodes are often used as rectifiers or freewheeling diodes in LED power modules.
- They are commonly found in traditional circuits like radios and amplifiers. They are also commonly used by electronics enthusiasts in DIY power supply boards, offering a high cost-effective design.
📌Comparing the 1N5404 with the 1N4007
- When engineers weigh the 1N5404 against the 1N4007, the first thing that usually comes up is current capacity. The 1N4007 is only rated for about 1 amp, which is fine for light-duty tasks, but once the circuit draws a couple of amps the 1N5404 feels much more comfortable with its 3-amp rating.
- Voltage handling is another key difference. The 1N4007 can survive up to 1000 volts in reverse, making it the safer pick in higher-voltage designs. The 1N5404, limited to 400 volts, is better suited for lower-voltage but higher-current use cases.
- Package size also plays a role in design decisions. The 1N5404 comes in the bulkier DO-201 package, which improves thermal performance but takes more board space. The slimmer DO-41 package of the 1N4007 makes it attractive in compact layouts, though it sacrifices some current capability.
By the way,If you need a higher voltage, you can choose from the 1N5406 in the same series which is 600V and the 1n5408 which is 1000V.For 1N5400,1N4007 series datasheet, please visit：👇
https://en.semiware.com/rectifier-diode/1n5404
https://en.semiware.com/rectifier-diode/1n4007
📩Put Semiware's 1N5404,1N4007 on your schematic—Alternative to Vishay,ON Semiconductor.👇
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