In our store, you can buy either germanium or silicon diodes, but if you do not know, what exactly you need, read the information below.

Germanium diode is produced by fusing indium into n-type germanium. It can tolerate a current density up to 100 A / cm2 at a direct voltage up to 0.8 V. Its limiting reverse voltage does not outreach 400 V, and the reverse current usually does not outreach one milliampere unit. The operating temperature of the diode is from -60 to + 75°C. If the diode operates at an ambient temperature above 20°C, then it is necessary to reduce the reverse voltage. Under reduced atmospheric pressure or cooling, diode can overheat. To prevent it, it is necessary to reduce the rectified current.

Germanium diode vs silicon diode: what has more strong points?

Silicon diode is made by fusing aluminum to n-type silicon, as well as alloying of tin with phosphorus or gold with antimony in p-type silicon. In comparison with germanium, silicon diode has a number of advantages. The limiting density of direct current is up to 200 A / cm2, and the limiting reverse voltage can be up to 1000 V. Operating temperature is from –60 to +125°С (to +150 °С for some types). Direct voltage of silicon diode can reach 1,5V. It is higher than germanium diode has. Reverse current of silicon diode is much lower than of germanium one.