1N3879

Single Diodes Overview

The Microchip Technology 1N3879 is a standard silicon rectifier diode housed in the DO-4 (DO-203AA) axial leaded package. It features a maximum repetitive peak reverse voltage of 50 V and an average forward rectified current rating of 6 A. The device exhibits a maximum forward voltage drop of 1.4 V at 20 A and a reverse leakage current of 15 µA at 50 V. Electrical characteristics include a reverse recovery time of 200 ns and junction capacitance of 115 pF at 10 V, 1 MHz. The component supports a wide operating temperature range from -65°C to +175°C junction temperature.

Single Diodes Feature Summary

• High thermal stability with a maximum junction temperature rating of 175°C for reliable operation in demanding environments.
• Robust mechanical construction using the DO-4 axial leaded package designed for stud or panel mounting applications.
• Fast recovery performance with a 200 ns reverse recovery time suitable for general-purpose rectification tasks.

Single Diodes Applications

• Power supply rectification circuits
• Freewheeling diode applications in inductive loads
• General-purpose DC power conversion

Single Diodes Procurement Notes

Verify the specific manufacturer designation when sourcing, as International Rectifier also produces this part number. Confirm RoHS compliance status, as Microchip versions are typically non-compliant while other manufacturers may offer compliant variants. Ensure the DO-4 package style matches the intended mounting requirements before procurement.

Single Diodes Selection Notes

Select the 1N3879 for applications requiring high surge current handling and wide temperature tolerance. Compare against similar DO-4 rectifiers based on reverse voltage margins and forward current derating curves. Verify that the 50 V rating provides sufficient headroom for the specific circuit's peak inverse voltage conditions.

Single Diodes Part Context

This component belongs to the standard rectifier diode category within Microchip's discrete semiconductor portfolio. It serves as a legacy replacement for older industrial designs requiring robust axial leads. The part is often grouped with other DO-4 rectifiers like the 1N3880 series for system design flexibility.

Single Diodes Replacement Considerations

Public confirmed substitute part numbers include the 1N3879R manufactured by International Rectifier. Verify pinout compatibility and thermal resistance specifications when substituting between different manufacturers to ensure equivalent performance.