Common rectifiers and transformers - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: Legion
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2014, 02:26:48 pm
content: I want to do some breadboarding and experimentation with transformers and rectifiers. There's a wide range available on digikey and I was hoping you guys could recommend a specific model. Kinda like the 3904 and 3906 are common transistors to breadboard with. Unfortunately I don't have anything more specific in mind than "experimentation" at this point.So I was thinking of getting a power transformer, an audio transformer and a few rectifier ICs. Any recommendations on specific models or at least specific specs to look for?

author: richard.cs
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2014, 03:28:33 pm
content: The bog standard rectifier diode is the 1N4001, or pick it's 1000V rated cousin the 1N4007 if you're doing high voltage work.

author: mariush
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2014, 03:40:10 pm
content: Just forget about 1N4001, it's rated for too low voltage. The difference in price between that one and the other higher voltage ones in the series is almost none... so just go for 1n4005-1n4007, whatever is cheaper.Get some 1N5817- 1N5819 just in case you'll want some lower forward voltage at up to 1A...If you want something supercheap, 1n4148 will do... only 200mA and 1v forward voltage and 100v max though:http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/1N4148/1N4148FS-ND/458603You can also go with DIP or SIP bridge rectifiers likethese, they will fit just fine on a prototyping board.

author: Legion
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2014, 03:47:15 pm
content: Quote from: mariush on May 21, 2014, 03:40:10 pmSorry, I should have been more clear. I already have lots of diodes, I was interested in a common version of the above, a SIP or DIP rectifier IC.

author: c4757p
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2014, 03:54:53 pm
content: I'm not sure of any bog-standardpart numbers, but pretty much anything in the GBU/KBU package is identical to anything else in the GBU/KBU package, just get the voltage and current rating you need. TheDF seriesand similar DIP rectifiers also seem to be somewhat universal.Those DF series rectifiers are the only ones I'd be willing to stick in an actual breadboard, the rest will ruin the contacts (even the 1N400x diodes are usually too thick for breadboards, though the cheapo no-name diodes are sometimes thinner).

author: Legion
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2014, 08:28:13 pm
content: Quote from: c4757p on May 21, 2014, 03:54:53 pmCool, thanks. I'll stick with the DFs then. Any recommendations for transformers? For the power transformer I'm mostly concerned with the mounting type and the output voltage. I've tried to infer commonness from the stock quantities on digikey, which would lead me to something like a 24V series / 12V parallel.

author: Richard Crowley
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2014, 08:49:46 pm
content: Some of the more hobby-experimenter websutes may be better references for power transformers.For example: All Electronics:http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a-store/category/790500/transformers/power-xformers/1.htmlAnd for audio transformers:http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a-store/category/790750/transformers/coupling/impedance-matching/1.htmlAlthough, except for special applications, transformers are disappearing from audio circuits.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2014, 11:07:25 pm
content: FWIW, there is usually no difference specified between 50-400V rectifiers and 600-1000V, or something along those lines. They're probably the same dies sold as different part numbers from each group.Unfortunately I don't have at least one each of 1N4001-7 to test, would be interesting to study some time. Not that you'd want to knowingly and intentionally specify a 1N4001 for a 200V circuit. Who knows, there may be an ancient Chinese fab still doing a low-breakdown-voltage diffusion process like that, and you just never tried diodes that cheap before.The take-away point, of course, is, don't worry about having ten of everything; just get, like, 1N4004 and -7 and be done with it. (Also, the UF- varieties, for when you get into switching supplies. Maybe some schottky in the MBR160-SB530 range too.)Tim

author: Legion
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 22, 2014, 12:53:25 pm
content: Quote from: Richard Crowley on May 21, 2014, 08:49:46 pmThanks, I'll check those out.