The 1N5817 SCHOTTKY DIODE
Description
 
Brief Note on 1N5817
A diode is a device which allows current flow through only one direction. That is the current should always flow from the Anode to cathode. The cathode terminal can be identified by using a grey bar as shown in the picture above.
The 1N5817 is a Schottky Diode with forward voltage drop of 450mV and a forward current of 1A. Since it has a very low forward voltage drop it can be used in reverse polarity protection circuits, unlike a normal diode which has more than 1V as forward voltage drop 1N5817 only has 450mV drop across it when 1A current is flowing through it.
Compared to normal diodes Schottky diode also has relatively faster switching speeds and hence can be used in high frequency switching circuits. The reverse blocking voltage for 1N5817 is about 20V only which is kind of a downside for all Schottky diodes so make sure this does not affect the performance in your circuit.
 
Features
Schottky Rectifier Diode
Average forward current is 1A
Forward Surge Current is 25A
Forward Voltage Drop 450mV at 1A
Reverse Voltage is 20V
Peak Reverse Voltage: 20V
Available in DO-41 Package