GaAs rectifier diodes

ergo · 8th August 2003, 05:18 AM

GaAs diodes seem to be the best there is for power amp rectification as there is practically no overshoot of any kind and thus they should provide the cleanest power...

but here comes the but. I finally located a seller who carries IXYS GaAs diodes but they cost 16.8 EUR per piece for 150V/7A diode !!!!

This is expensive especially if the order minimum is 50 and it would make 840EUR + shipping... too much for hobby use indeed.

Does anyone know why the technology is that expensive and are there places who sell these diodes in small quantities. I would really like to test them.

Ergo

PGW · 13th August 2003, 04:45 AM

Costs may have changed since I was in the GaAs technology business, but a 3-inch GaAs wafer with suitable epi will cost you maybe $100, and an 8-inch silicon wafer maybe $10. Lots more devices for lots le$$.

If teh GaAs diodes "have no overshoot" then my guess is they are Schottky diodes; these power diodes will have a bunch of exotic metals on the contacts for reliability and breakdown considerations.

Why not just use silicon Schottkies instead - the switch on voltage is about the same ~ 0.7 V. And they should be way cheaper for (as far as I can imagine) no discernable difference at audio frequencies.

8th August 2003, 05:18 AM	#1
ergo diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Tallinn, Estonia	GaAs rectifier diodes GaAs diodes seem to be the best there is for power amp rectification as there is practically no overshoot of any kind and thus they should provide the cleanest power... but here comes the but. I finally located a seller who carries IXYS GaAs diodes but they cost 16.8 EUR per piece for 150V/7A diode !!!! This is expensive especially if the order minimum is 50 and it would make 840EUR + shipping... too much for hobby use indeed. Does anyone know why the technology is that expensive and are there places who sell these diodes in small quantities. I would really like to test them. Ergo

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
FS: Lot of IR rectifier diodes	luvdunhill	Swap Meet	1	4th February 2009 02:19 PM
IXYS GaAs Schottky Diodes.	Tweeker	Tubes / Valves	5	18th January 2006 11:35 PM
Rectifier diodes for UcD 400	m.parigi	Class D	6	14th March 2005 09:42 AM
Integrated Rectifier Bridge VS Rectifier Diodes	Sci	Chip Amps	11	16th July 2004 02:43 PM
Rectifier Diodes	richie00boy	Parts	6	19th April 2004 01:41 PM

New To Site?	Need Help?
Register to Participate Search Privacy Statement Contact Us	Frequently Asked Questions Did you forget your password? Mark Forums Read


	Please consider donating to help us continue to serve you. Ads on/off / Custom Title / More PMs / More album space / Advanced printing & mass image saving

13th August 2003, 04:45 AM	#2
PGW diyAudio Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: SoCo	Costs may have changed since I was in the GaAs technology business, but a 3-inch GaAs wafer with suitable epi will cost you maybe $100, and an 8-inch silicon wafer maybe $10. Lots more devices for lots le$$. If teh GaAs diodes "have no overshoot" then my guess is they are Schottky diodes; these power diodes will have a bunch of exotic metals on the contacts for reliability and breakdown considerations. Why not just use silicon Schottkies instead - the switch on voltage is about the same ~ 0.7 V. And they should be way cheaper for (as far as I can imagine) no discernable difference at audio frequencies.