[sdiy] 914 & 4148 diodes..

[Dave Manley]

Looking at the current Fairchild datasheets there is no difference 
between a 1N914 and a 1N4148.

However there are also 1N914A and 1N914B parts. For the forward voltage 
spec, these devices are tested with different foward currents.  For 
example, the 914 and 4148 are tested at 10mA, while the 914B is tested 
(and therefore has guaranteed performance) at both 5mA and 100mA.

-Dave

Tom Corbitt wrote:
> I suspect that as the industry got better at the foundry process, they
> improved things to the point where they no longer had to use a
> different process for the two diodes, so they now sell you the same
> diode no matter if you ask for the 914 or the 4148 (much like what
> happens when you go in an autoparts store and ask for a replacement
> alternator. They'll sell you one that mets or exceeds the specs of the
> old one, but you'll notice the extra mounting holes that allow it to
> work on other cars as well) Years ago I dug thru some old data books
> and think I remember seeing that the diodes had slightly different
> voltage ratings (like 5V)