SL1200 - 12kV 40mA Fast Recovery Rectifier Diode | EDI
MPN: SL1200 β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 10 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 100 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 500 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 1,000 | $0 | $0.00 |
SL1200 Overview
A high-voltage rectifier diode is a discrete semiconductor that permits current flow in one direction while blocking very large reverse voltages, converting AC to DC in the final stage of the power-conversion hierarchy (rectifier diode -> discrete semiconductor -> power conversion system). High-voltage rectifiers like the SL1200 are engineered specifically to withstand thousands of volts of reverse stress, unlike general-purpose rectifiers rated at a few hundred volts.
Key features of the SL1200 include its 12 kV peak reverse voltage rating, which eliminates the need to series-stack multiple lower-voltage diodes; its 100 ns fast recovery characteristic, which reduces switching losses in high-frequency operation; avalanche characteristics that absorb transient over-voltage events without destructive failure; and low reverse leakage current, which improves efficiency and thermal stability in high-impedance circuits.
Technically, the SL1200 uses a molded small-size package construction with a minimum lead length of 1 inch, which provides the creepage and clearance distance required to support its 12 kV blocking voltage in compact assemblies. The avalanche capability means the die can clamp limited reverse transient energy internally, adding robustness in flyback and multipliers where spikes are common.
Typical applications include high-voltage DC power supplies, voltage multipliers (Cockcroft-Walton ladders), CRT and X-ray equipment bias supplies, electrostatic precipitators, photomultiplier tube supplies, and laser or ion-source high-tension circuits.
Design consideration: because reverse leakage doubles roughly every 10 C, derate the 12 kV PRV in high-temperature environments and ensure the 1-inch minimum lead spacing is preserved on the PCB to maintain high-voltage isolation.
This page synthesizes distributor availability, alternative-sourcing guidance, and practical high-voltage layout notes not found in the short manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for SL1200 β same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
SL1000
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
SL2000
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
SL3000
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
SL1500
β Drop-In β οΈ εζ°εΎ ιͺθ―π Reference alternative (not in catalog)
SL1200 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Device Type | High-voltage fast recovery rectifier diode |
| Peak Reverse Voltage (PRV) | 12000 V |
| Average Rectified Forward Current (IO) | 40 mA |
| Recovery Time | 100 ns |
| Reverse Characteristics | Avalanche characteristics, low leakage |
| Package Style | Small-size molded package |
| Lead Length | 1 inch minimum |
| Pin Count | 2 |
| Mounting Type | Through Hole |
| Configuration | Single diode |
| Distributor Availability | In stock at authorized distributors (OnlineComponents.com) |
SL1200 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | Anode β Positive terminal in forward conduction; connect to source side |
| Pin 2 | Cathode β Blocking terminal; reverse voltage up to 12000 V appears across cathode-to-anode |
Typical Applications
SL1200 is suitable for 6 applications: High-Voltage DC Power Supplies, Voltage Multipliers (Cockcroft-Walton Ladders), CRT and X-Ray Equipment Bias Supplies, Photomultiplier Tube (PMT) Supplies, Electrostatic Precipitators and Electrostatic Applications, Laser and Ion-Source High-Voltage Circuits.
High-Voltage DC Power Supplies
The SL1200's 12,000 V PRV and 100 ns fast recovery make it a natural output rectifier in multi-kilovolt DC power supplies where a single diode must block the full secondary voltage. In such supplies, the diode sits in series with the high-voltage transformer secondary, and its 100 ns recovery keeps switching losses low during repetitive charge cycles. Its low reverse leakage preserves load regulation in high-impedance outputs of tens to hundreds of kilo-ohms, and avalanche characteristics absorb the voltage spikes that occur when the supply is arced or suddenly unloaded, improving field reliability without external snubbers.
Recommended
Voltage Multipliers (Cockcroft-Walton Ladders)
Cockcroft-Walton multipliers cascade diode-capacitor stages so each diode blocks only about twice the peak stage voltage, yet total output reaches tens of kilovolts. The SL1200's 12 kV PRV covers up to roughly 6 kV per stage with comfortable margin, and its 100 ns recovery limits reverse-recovery charge dumped between stages at each clock transition, directly reducing output ripple and stage losses. Because multiplier capacitors store significant energy, the diode's avalanche characteristics provide a self-protecting clamp during load transients. Its miniature molded 2-pin package with 1-inch leads fits compact ladder geometries while maintaining the inter-stage creepage that 12 kV stress demands.
Recommended
CRT and X-Ray Equipment Bias Supplies
Cathode-ray tubes and X-ray tubes require multi-kilovolt bias and accelerating supplies with very low ripple and low current draw, typically well under the SL1200's 40 mA rating. The diode's low reverse leakage is critical here because bias networks use megaohm-scale resistors where even microamp-level leakage would degrade voltage accuracy. Fast 100 ns recovery supports the horizontal-scan-derived high-voltage topologies common in CRT designs. The small molded package mounts near the tube socket, and the 1-inch minimum lead length preserves isolation between the kV node and surrounding circuitry, meeting the creepage demands of enclosed high-voltage assemblies.
Recommended
Photomultiplier Tube (PMT) Supplies
PMT dynode chains draw microamp-to-milliamp currents from negative high-voltage bases of 1 kV to 2 kV or more, and supply noise directly modulates gain. The SL1200 fits as the HV rectifier in compact PMT base modules: its 100 ns recovery and low leakage keep ripple and drift negligible, while avalanche ruggedness tolerates the turn-off spikes of small flyback converters. Its 40 mA rating comfortably exceeds typical chain loads with wide derating. The miniature 2-pin molded body allows placement immediately adjacent to the dynode divider board, and the 1-inch lead spacing prevents arc-over between the -HV rail and grounded shield areas.
Recommended
Electrostatic Precipitators and Electrostatic Applications
Electrostatic precipitators, ionizers, and electret charging systems require continuous DC fields of 5 kV to 20 kV at very low current. The SL1200's 12 kV PRV suits single-diode rectification or multiplier-fed precipitator supplies, and its 40 mA rating covers typical collector currents with ample margin. Avalanche characteristics are especially valuable here because precipitator electrodes arc and short repeatedly; the diode survives the associated transients that destroy conventional rectifiers. Low reverse leakage keeps the electrostatic field stable between cleaning cycles, and the robust molded package tolerates the dusty, humid industrial environments in which precipitator powerheads operate.
Recommended
Laser and Ion-Source High-Voltage Circuits
Gas-laser initiators, ion pumps, and ion-source extraction grids use pulsed or DC high voltage at low average current, with demanding requirements for fast recovery when the source is pulsed at kilohertz rates. The SL1200's 100 ns recovery limits stored charge during each pulse, reducing reverse-current spikes that would otherwise couple into trigger circuitry. Its 12 kV blocking handles extraction-grid potentials directly, and avalanche ruggedness absorbs the overshoot from pulse transformers. The miniature footprint permits dense stacking inside compact source heads, while the 1-inch lead requirement keeps the kV extraction node physically separated from low-voltage control circuits on the same assembly.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for SL1200 β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | SL1000 | SL1500 | SL2000 | SL3000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | Small-size molded 2-pin, 1-inch minimum leads | Small-size molded 2-pin - same | Small-size molded 2-pin - same | Small-size molded 2-pin - same | Small-size molded 2-pin - same |
| Brand | Electronic Devices Inc. (EDI) | Electronic Devices Inc. (EDI) | Electronic Devices Inc. (EDI) | Electronic Devices Inc. (EDI) | Electronic Devices Inc. (EDI) |
| Peak Reverse Voltage (PRV) | 12000 V | 10000 V | 15000 V | 20000 V | 30000 V |
| Average Forward Current (IO) | 40 mA | 40 mA | 40 mA | 40 mA | 40 mA |
| Recovery Time | 100 ns | 100 ns (family) | 100 ns (family) | 100 ns (family) | 100 ns (family) |
| Reverse Characteristics | Avalanche, low leakage | Avalanche, low leakage (family) | Avalanche, low leakage (family) | Avalanche, low leakage (family) | Avalanche, low leakage (family) |
| Relative PRV Margin vs 12 kV Requirement | Baseline (0%) | -17% (less margin) | +25% | +67% | +150% |
Key Differentiators
- Single-device 12 kV blocking (vs SL1000)
- 100 ns fast recovery in a miniature package (vs SL3000)
- Avalanche ruggedness for transient-prone circuits (vs SL1500)
Design Notes
The SL1200's 12 kV rating assumes the datasheet's minimum 1-inch (25.4 mm) lead length. On the PCB, provide at least this much creepage between anode and cathode pads and between the cathode node and any grounded copper. For dense assemblies, route a milled slot or air gap between the high-voltage pads; conformal coating can supplement but not replace physical spacing. Never mount the diode flat against a grounded chassis or heatsink - the molded package is not rated for surface contact isolation at 12 kV.
Do not assume the SL1200 can be paralleled for higher current without matching - diode forward-voltage mismatch causes one device to carry most of the load. Do not series-stack SL1200s without parallel balancing resistors and, in fast circuits, RC sharing networks, because uneven reverse-voltage division can exceed an individual device's PRV. Finally, note the 40 mA average rating is for the full package at rated temperature; verify the datasheet derating curve before operating in enclosed high-ambient assemblies.
Estimated: at 40 mA forward current with a typical high-voltage-diode forward drop on the order of tens of volts, conduction dissipation is roughly 0.5-1 W, which the small molded package dissipates through its leads. Keep both leads at the datasheet's 1-inch minimum length to the PCB so the board acts as the heat sink; trimming leads short reduces both thermal and high-voltage performance. Use the datasheet's IFSM curve (8.3 ms) to check surge survival during capacitor charge inrush in multiplier designs.
Compliance Information
Compliance data was not present in the retrieved datasheet snippets or distributor listings for this legacy high-voltage rectifier. Request a material declaration from EDI or the distributor.