Beginners Guide to 1N4007 Diode- Specs, Pinout, Equivalent

Last updated on March 21st, 2024 at 06:16 pm

1N4007 is a PN junction silicon rectifier diode that belongs to the 1N400x series family. Due to its small size and low cost, it is an ideal diode for a wide range of applications.

For example: in electrical circuits where rectifications of the electrical signal are needed, in voltage regulators, inverters, converters, etc.

What is the purpose of a diode?

Diodes are used in a circuit to ensure that the electrical current flows in one direction only. Due to this, they are used for converting AC to DC power.

1N4007 is one such diode, used in power supplies to prevent a negative voltage supply from causing problems in a circuit.

What are rectifier diodes?

1N4007 is a rectifier diode. Here’s what it means-

A rectifier diode is a semiconductor diode with higher current ratings, higher reverse voltage ratings, higher leakage current, and higher junction capacitance. Due to these parameters, these diodes are used in rectifier circuits for the conversion of AC to DC, hence the name, rectifier diode.

From the construction point of view, these are solid-state devices made of semiconductor material that replaced vacuum valves for the rectification of the electrical signal.

What is the 1N400X rectifier diode series?

The 1N400x series was originally introduced by Motorola’s Semiconductor Products Division registered at JEDEC in 1963 for military and industrial applications.

1N400x (1N4001 or 1N4000) series belongs to the family of 1 Ampere silicon rectifier diodes which are generally used in AC adapters for common household appliances. The blocking voltage ranges from 50 volts in 1N4001 to 1000 volts in 1N4007.

Here’s the table that shows the difference in their reverse voltage ratings:

1N400X DiodeReverse Voltage
1N400150 V
1N4002100 V
1N4003200 V
1N4004400 V
1N4005600 V
1N4006800 V
1N40071000 V
This table compares the Reverse voltage ratings of 1N400x Diodes

What does 1N in 1N400x represent?

The naming of 1NXXXX devices is based on the American standard numbering system. The standard is specific for semiconductor devices and now has been adopted globally. Here’s what 1N4007 means:

  • 1 means that it has 1 junction.
  • N signifies that it is a semiconductor diode.
  • 400X is the identification number to specify the diode.

So, 1N signifies that it is a single-junction semiconductor. The model ranges from 1N4001 to 1N4007. The diodes in the 1N400X series have similar properties, so if the 1N4001 does not work for you, you can use 1N4002 as its substitute.

Pinout

1N4007 diode pinout
1N4007 diode pinout

The table given below describes 1N4007 pins.

Pin No.Pin NamePolarityFunction
1AnodePositiveCurrent always enters through the Anode
2CathodeNegativeCurrent always exit through the Cathode
Pinout of 1N4007

Specifications

The 1N4007 diode has reverse voltage ratings of 1000 V and can handle temperatures up to 175 degrees Celsius which makes it suitable for Rectification purposes.

Other Important Features of the 1N4007 diode are

  • 1N4007 diode can withstand currents up to 1A continuously with a voltage up to 700V.
  • It can support reverse voltage peaks up to 1000V and 30A currents.
  • Its power dissipation is 3W, and the average direct current is 1000mA or 1A.
  • 1N4007 diode is a comparatively low-speed rectifier diode, which is not efficient for square waves of greater than 15 kHz.

The other specifications of 1N4007 are given in tabular form.

ParameterValue
PackageDO-45 and SMD packages
DiodeSilicon Rectifier General Usage
Operating temperature-55 to 175 degrees Celsius
Max Power Dissipation3W
Max Repetitive Reverse Voltage1000V
Average Forward Current1000mA
Non-repetitive Max Forward Current30A
Reverse voltage500 to 700V
Forward voltage drop1.1V
Max direct current intensity1A
Specifications of 1N4007

What is a 1N4007 diode used for?

1N4007 is a general diode that is used as a rectifier in an electronic circuit. It converts the power from AC to DC with a filter capacitor. 1N4007 is designed to work on high voltages and can easily operate with voltages under 1000V.

Here’s what 1N4007 diode is used for:

  • General purpose rectification
  • Blocking voltage spikes
  • Voltage blocking
  • Digital logic circuits

Due to the small size and low cost of 1N4007 diode, it can be found in many practical devices such as:

  • Adapters
  • Power supplies
  • Voltage Doubler
  • Rectification
  • Components protections
  • Battery Chargers
  • Embedded systems for switching
  • Freewheeling diode applications
  • Prevent reverse polarity problems

What are the equivalents of 1N4007?

The equivalents of 1N4007 are :

  • STTH110
  • 1N5408
  • 1N4007-T
  • BA159
  • 1N4148 can be used for operating voltages less than 100 V

Can you use 1N4007 instead of 1N4001? Differences

Yes, the 1N4007 can be replaced with the 1N4001 diode because both are from the same family of 1N400x diodes. And since the reverse voltage rating of 1000 V for 1N4007 is higher than that of 1N4001(50 V), it’s even better.

Some other differences between 1N4001 and 1N4007 are:

Parameters1N40011N4007
Typical Junction Capacitance15pF8pF
RMS Reverse Voltage35V700V
Peak Repetitive Voltage50V1000V
Differences between 1N4001 and 1N4007

Datasheet

The 1N4007 datasheet will give you detailed information about the diode. If you want to download the 1N4007 datasheet, click here.

FAQs

How much voltage can a 1N4007 diode handle?

The 1N4007 diode is rated for a maximum repetitive reverse voltage (VRRM) of 1000 volts.

Is 1N4007 diode silicon or germanium?

The 1N4007 diode is made of silicon, not germanium. It belongs to the 1N400x series of silicon rectifier diodes, which are commonly used for general-purpose rectification in electronic circuits.

Is 1N4007 a fast recovery diode?

No, the 1N4007 is not a fast recovery diode. It is a general-purpose silicon rectifier diode, often used in various electronic circuits for rectification purposes. It has a relatively slow recovery time compared to fast recovery diodes.

What is the meaning of 1N in diode?

1N in a diode code means one junction semiconductor diode. The numbers following (like 4007 in 1N4007) are a unique ID for that specific diode model.

Photo of author

Ankit Negi

I am an electrical engineer by profession who loves to tinker with electronic devices and gadgets and have been doing so for over six years now. During this period, I have made many projects and helped thousands of students through my blog and YouTube videos. I am active on Linkedin.

Leave a Comment