1N4007 Rectifier Description
The 1N4007 rectifier diode belongs to the 1N400x family. It is a widely-used rectifier diode for the power supplies section of general-purpose electrical devices. Its condensed package and lightweight make it a proper choice for applications where a general diode is needed to alter AC signals to DC signals.
1N4007 Pinout
1N4007 Features and Advantages
Low forward voltage drop
High forward surge current capability
Low leakage current and reverse current
RoHS compliant and Pb-free
Plastic bag package method
1A average forward current
3 W low power dissipation
Where to Use 1N4007
The 1N4007 standard rectifier diode is used for general low-power purposes like
Power supplies
Converters
Inverters
Current flow regulators
Protection devise and more
1N4007 Package Information
How to Use 1N4007
LDRs, also known as light-dependent resistors, are commonly used to detect light. This is similar to a specific sort of resistor that can vary its resistance value based on the intensity of the light. So when the intensity of the light is strong, the resistor value is smaller, and when the intensity of the light is low, the resistor value is infinite.
The 1N4007 diode is connected in Reverse Bias using the same approach. As a result, without any adjustment, no current will flow from Vcc to the ground.
So now the current flowing path is from Vcc to the Q2’s Base and now this signal is very small so it will not able to run the LED. That’s why we need to amplify the signal for using it. So, here it comes the BC547(Q2)’s emitter pin is connected to Q1’s Base Pin so now this signal is amplified. This amplifier signal is now able to run or drive the LED.
How to Get the Best out of 1N4007 in a Circuit
To get the most out of the 1N4007 diode, it is best to keep it 30V to 40V below its maximum repeated reverse voltage and other values. Always connect in the correct polarity and never drive more than 1A load. Do not use or store at temperatures below -55 degrees Celsius or above +175 degrees Celsius.
The 1N4007 diode allows only one direction of electrical current to flow through; thus they can transfer AC to DC power. It is important not to apply to reverse current onto it since the circuit may be damaged.
So the current flowing channel is now from Vcc to the Q2’s Base, and this signal is now too little to power the LED. That is why we need to enhance the signal before we can use it. So, now the Q2’s emitter pin is linked to the Q1’s base pin, and the signal is amplified. This amplifier signal can now power or drive the LED.
1N4007 vs 1N4001 vs 1N5819
The above table shows how 1N4007, 1N5819 and 1N4001 diodes are different across some important technical parameters. Their biggest differences lay in the peak repetitive reverse voltage (Vrmm) and the RMS reverse voltage. The Peak Repetitive Reverse Voltage (Vrrm) of 1N4001 is 50V while 1N4007 is 1000V and 1N5819 is 40V. When it comes to RMS reverse voltage, the 1N4007 can withstand a higher reverse voltage of 1000V while the 1N4001 can only do for 35V. The 1N5819 Schottky rectifier which is fast and has low loss has a reverse voltage of 28V.
In summary, the 1N4007 is compatible with the 1N4001 as freewheeling diodes. But usually, you can’t replace a 1N5819 with a 1N4007 because the former is too fast in switching speed.
1N4007 Equivalents/Alternatives
The 1N4007 diode is manufactured by many brands and most of them are in volume production. It’s easy to get the exact replacement for the part. When the circuit is working under 400V you can try the 1N400x series diodes like 1N4004. For devices running between 800V and 1000V, EM513, 1N5399 are preferred.