1N4148 and 1N914

[ajhawkins]

Are these diodes interchangeable?

 

[cp642]

1N4148 - Vmax, 75 ; IF(max), 150mA
1N914 - Vmax, 100 ; IF(max), 75mA
Both the parts are quite similar in characteristics, but keep a close lookout for the voltage and current in your particular application.

 

[ajhawkins]

I am going to use them in a pair of Leach LowTIM's ... Everything should work fine correct?

I have 1N914's i'd like to use in place of his spec'd 1N4148's

 

[GRollins]

In many cases, these diodes are used purely to establish a diode drop, i.e. a .6V reference (often used in pairs, thus 1.2V or so) in order to bias a transistor. If that's the case (it's been a while since I looked at a Leach schematic), then either part is way overrated, so you can use either. I believe the 4148 is a 'fast' diode which may or may not matter, depending on where it is in the circuit and your personal philosophy on fast vs. slow diodes.

Grey

 

[PH104]

The 1N4148's are used in the I/V protection circuit for the Leach amp. 1N914's will be fine. You might also consider eliminating that protection circuit altogether.

Phil

 

[PH104]

I was just looking at the Leach amp website for some other info and saw this:

"You should not use substitutes for the 1N4148 fast switching diodes. If the diodes which you purchase do not have 1N4148 printed on them, do not use them. I have seen amplifiers not work properly because the vendor supplied a substitute diode that was not a fast switching diode. The slower diodes cause the protection circuit to be activated on the zero crossings of the signal and this produces large amounts of distortion."

But both 1N914 and 1N4148 are both fast switching diodes (4ns). So try 1N914s (or get rid of the protection circuit).

Phil