Schottky vs Standard Rectifier Diodes: How to Choose

1. Why the diode type matters

A rectifier diode converts AC to DC or steers current. The two properties that dominate selection are forward voltage (V_F) — which sets conduction loss — and reverse recovery — which sets switching loss at high frequency.

2. Schottky diodes

Schottky diodes use a metal-semiconductor junction and have a low forward voltage, typically 0.3–0.5 V, so they lose less heat at high current and recover almost instantly. The trade-off: higher reverse leakage that grows quickly with temperature, and a lower reverse voltage limit, usually ≤ 200 V.

• Great for low-voltage, high-frequency rectification (OR-ing, freewheeling, boost)
• Leakage can double for every ~10°C rise — keep junction cool
• Not suitable for high reverse voltage above ~200 V (SiC Schottky goes higher)

3. Standard and fast-recovery diodes

Standard (PN) rectifiers have a higher forward voltage, about 0.7–1.0 V, but hold off much higher reverse voltage (up to 1000 V+) and leak less. Fast-recovery versions (t_rr 35–50 ns) add a controlled reverse-recovery time for higher-frequency designs.

Property	Schottky	Standard / fast-recovery
Forward voltage	0.3–0.5 V	0.7–1.0 V
Reverse recovery	near zero	35–50 ns (fast) to slow
Reverse voltage	≤ 200 V typical	up to 1000 V+
Reverse leakage	higher, rises with temp	low
Best for	low-V, high-freq rectification	high-voltage AC-DC, mains

If your circuit is below ~100 V and switching fast, a Schottky diode saves heat; if you are rectifying mains or need high reverse hold-off, use a standard or fast-recovery diode, or a bridge rectifier package.

4. Bridge rectifiers

A bridge rectifier packages four diodes to convert AC to DC in one component. Choose the current and reverse-voltage class for your rail, and remember each half-cycle passes through two diodes, so conduction loss is 2 × V_F × I.

5. How to choose

• Compute peak reverse voltage and derate to ≥ 1.5× the worst case
• Pick V_F to keep junction temperature inside the datasheet
• For high frequency use Schottky or fast-recovery; for mains use standard/bridge
• Match the average and surge current to your load

Related products

• Schottky Diode Series
• Rectifier Diode Series
• Bridge Rectifier Series
• TVS/ESD Protection