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[Amps] 6A rectifier diode choice

To: <amps@contesting.com>
Subject: [Amps] 6A rectifier diode choice
From: stevek@jmr.com (Steve Katz)
Date: Wed, 14 Aug 2002 11:02:51 -0700
> >
> So spend a bit extra for glass-passivated 3A units and employ forced air 
> cooling.
> 
        [Steve Katz]  This idea has a lot of merit.  Leaded diodes (devices
having wire leads) are cooled exclusively by heat exchange occurring in the
leads themselves, i.e., the leads are the heatsinks.  If you want to
maximize power handling and minimize junction temperature without changing
device types at all: (1) Use the full length of the leads the diodes came
with, thus exposing more lead surface to air and taking full advantage of
the heat exchange that will  naturally occur; or (2) Use large surface area
copper flashing at the diode interconnect points (each end of diode string,
and each junction where two diodes meet), thus adding heat sinking the
diodes didn't come with; or (3) Use forced-air cooling on the diodes and
their leads; or (4) Stick the diode array in something more thermally
conductive (but not electrically conductive!) than air, like dielectric oil.
A 1N5408 immersed in 25 degree C cooling oil can handle about 10 Amps,
indefinitely (provided the oil stays at 25 degrees C).  -WB2WIK/6

> >
> cheers, Conrad
> 
> -  R. L. Measures, a.k.a. Rich..., 805.386.3734,AG6K, 
> www.vcnet.com/measures.  
> end
> 
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