[sdiy] diode ID? + diode question

[Scott Bernardi]

The four common  types of diodes we deal with are:

Signal diodes. Usually small clear glass cases with a stripe.  These are fast, low
power rectifiers used in signal paths. Most common are 1N4148 and 1N914.

Rectifier diodes. Bigger types meant for higher power rectification in power
supplies and such.  The most common are the 1N4000 series which are 1 Amp diodes,
differing by the amount of reverse voltage they can stand (the PIV rating) before
breaking down.  Usually this are bigger and black, with a stripe.

Zener diodes. These are used in the reverse breakdown region, and have a relatively
stable and precise breakdown voltage.  They have a bunch of different 1N numbers,
and are characterized by their breakdown voltage and power rating. Ex: 1N4733, 1
watt 5.1v zener.

Light emitting diodes.  These light up when forward biases with a fairly hefty
current > 5mA. Comes in lots of different colors, shapes, and sizes.

"Drew Smith (mux)" wrote:

>         Holas,
>
>         I'm trying to modify my Simmons SDS-800 (again!), but ran into a quick
> snag... there's a diode I need to duplicate for the external envelope
> generator I'm adding (on Greg Zifcak's detailed instructions), but I
> don't have a spare...
>
>         The diode is small and blue, with a black stripe.  The markings I can
> read are "BZY", "88c" and what appears to be either "4V7" or "4V2".  I
> have a bunch of diodes on an old cable-tuner box; is there an
> equivalent?  I'm in Costa Rica; the only electronics components store
> I've found is on the other side of the city, and there's a bit of a
> language barrier there... :)
>
>         Along that line - I mean, it's pretty easy to understand what different
> resistors and capacitors do, but what are the basic differences between
> different types of diodes?  I'm still a newbie. :)
>
>         Cheers,
>         - Drew.
>
> --
> Drew Smith (mux) <drew at riotnrrd.com>
> Encrypted e-mail preferred - finger for public key.
> 5801 7134 B54C 3D71 EBE1  CE24 F4DB 2528 5A46 A31B