Lead Types of High Voltage Diodes

Axial leads extend from the high voltage diode's ends and along its axis.

Radial leads extend from the diode's sides instead of from its ends.

Flying leads project horizontally from the high voltage diode.

Tab leads are terminals designed for direct mounting into a circuit board socket.

Screw or insert leads are designed to be fastened with screws.

Gull-wing leads are popular because they are relatively inexpensive to mold and form. They are flexible enough to withstand thermal expansion and contraction. Inspecting the integrity of the gull-wing lead to circuit board solder connection is relatively easy.

High voltage diodes with J-leads use less board space than gull-wing leads; however, because these lead-to-board solder connections are hidden from inspection, they are more difficult to form.