I build a lot of custom drivers (Usually of wight’s design) The diodes I usually order from mouser are backordered and I don’t want to wait for them to come back in. I know there are diodes included in cart links for certain drivers, but typically those are the most expensive options. i want something more economical. For instance, the one wight recommends costs about 36 cents each, and the one I have been using costs about 8 cents.
So my question is: What specs do I need to pay attention to when picking a new budget diode?
These are the specs on the one I have been using (and I know it works):
and these are the specs from the one in a cart link for the single sided FET driver:
IMHO the1PS76SB10 will work fine. The things I look for in a reverse-polarity diode are:
Low Vf at low current in the 1 to 20mA range. High current diodes are not needed as only micro-controller current flows through them.
Low Ir (reverse current) at 5V or 10V, under 10uA should do fine.
Vrrm (blocking voltage) about double your battery voltage
Low Vf is key as it allows the controller to 'see' a higher voltage, and this means the PWM drive signal to a FET's gate is high. But don't sacrifice other specs or price just to save a few milli-volts.
I too would like to hear what others have to say on this subject.