Low voltage drop diode

[ivak245]

Is there a diode which has a lower voltage drop than the standard 0.5v for a silicon unit, but I need something which can handle up to 10 amps. The germanium type were less, but I don't think there were large power ones made, only small signal type.

 

[Martaine2005]

There are Schottky diodes that are approx 0.2 - 0.3V and 10A rated.
They are quite common for solar panels.

Martin

 

[crutschow]

What will you use the diode for?

For certain applications MOSFETs can be used as diodes with very low forward drop, equal to the current times their on-resistance.

 

[AnalogKid]

To Wally's point, Linear Technology (now a part of Analog Devices) makes controller chips that turn a power MOSFET into a very low Vf diode. More complex and expensive than a big-ass Schottky diode, but 2x-10x more efficient.

ak

 

[Alec_t]

Other manufacturers offer similar things. Google "ideal diode".

 

[ivak245]

I am using it for a solar panel. I found some MBR20100CT's locally. This is a 2 diode package, and rated at 20A ,so should do the job.

 

[Martaine2005]

That’s a dual diode package that each diode is rated for 10A MAX.

Martin

 

[AnalogKid]

The two diodes thermally track very well. It is safe to combine them in parallel for a max total current of 15 A.

ak