In a switch-mode power supply the rectifier is where a meaningful slice of the loss lives, so the diode you pick has a direct line to efficiency and heat. The A180WA from Diodes Incorporated is a 40 V, 1 A Schottky barrier rectifier — small, cheap, and exactly right for low-voltage conversion and protection.
Why Schottky
The metal-semiconductor junction gives a Schottky a low forward voltage (often well under a volt) and a very fast recovery. In a buck or boost converter that means less heat in the diode and more energy delivered to the load. The price is higher reverse leakage and a lower voltage ceiling than a p-n rectifier, which is why 40 V class parts like this one suit low-voltage rails.
Typical jobs
- Freewheeling diode. Clipping the inductive kick in a switching regulator so the switch and load are protected.
- Reverse-polarity protection. Blocking a wrongly wired supply with a small, predictable drop.
- OR-ing / blocking. Combining or isolating supply paths in a compact design.
The leakage caveat
Reverse leakage rises sharply with temperature. At room temperature it is negligible; in a hot enclosure it can become a real standby loss. Check the curve at your worst-case junction temperature, not the 25 degC number, and give the part enough copper to stay cool.
Around the same supply
| Function | Part | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Rectification (this part) | Schottky 40 V 1 A | A180WA |
| Switching | 600 V IGBT | HGTG30N60A4 |
| Load switch | Integrated switch | WPM2005-8/TR |
We stock the A180WA and a broad set of power parts; browse the power management range or send us your voltage and current for a quote.
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About us & trademarks: JTDZ Tech (Shenzhen Jingteng Electronics Technology Co., Ltd.) is an independent distributor of electronic components. We are not an authorised distributor or representative of the manufacturers named in this article. Manufacturer and part names are used for indicative purposes only, to help identify the components discussed; all trademarks remain the property of their respective owners. Always verify specifications against the manufacturer's datasheet before design-in or purchase.
