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Sometimes I use 1N4001 rectifier diodes in my demonstration circuits, whereas other times I use 1N4148 rectifier diodes. Most of the circuits I make can use either of them.
The main reason I use both diodes is because I got some 1N4001 rectifier diodes in basic component kits, and I got a lot more 1N4148 rectifier diodes from the Joe Know Electronics semiconductor kit.
If I only need a few rectifier diodes, I have enough 1N4001 waiting on the unused part of my large prototype breadboard that I can just grab them when I need them, and return them when I am done. But if I need a larger number of rectifier diode, then I can grab the Joe Knows electronics semiconductor kit, which has 45 1N4148 in a plastic baggie.
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| 1N4001: | 1N4148: |
|---|---|
| Max. forward voltage: 1V (usually 0.6 to 07V) | Max. forward voltage: 1V (usually 0.6 to 07V) |
| Forward continuous current: 1A | Forward continuous current 0.3A |
| Breakdown voltage: 50V (1N4002 to 1N4007 have higher breakdown voltages). | Breakdown voltage: 100V |
| Not for rapid switching. 15khz max. switching according to wikipedia. | Max. switching speed: 4 nanosecond (ns). 100Mhz according to wikipedia. |
The 1N4001 also comes in the black plastic DO-41 package. Whereas the 1N4148 comes in a glass DO-35 package that is also commonly used for zener and other diode types. I don’t want to have to use my loop (compact magnifier) to verify the part number of rectifier diodes I am using, so I return the 1N4148 to their plastic baggie as soon as I am done using them. That way they don’t get mixed up with the other diode types that look like them.
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