Zenith Electronics Corporation

Alan V Hayes

Francis M Ray

Richard J Duchek

Gregory T Laux

A bridge rectifier comprised of four passivated silicon diode chips coupled to convert an alternating voltage input to a direct voltage output includes four L-shaped leads each coupling the anode or cathode of one diode to either the same or opposite terminal of another diode. Each L-shaped lead includes transversely coupled first and second elongated, linear sections with the first sections of each lead forming either the AC input lines or DC output lines. The second section of each lead is coupled to either the anode or cathode of one of the diode chips, each of which includes a dielectric coated moat, or groove, around the periphery of one of its flat, generally rectangular shaped terminal surfaces which prevents charge migration on the edges of the chip and resulting leakage current. Each lead second section includes an upraised portion along the length thereof adapted for engaging and electrical coupling to either the anode or cathode surface of a diode, which when coupled to a diode terminal allows the remaining portion of the second lead section to be positioned in a spaced manner from the passivation moat as well as from an adjacent edge to prevent charge migration over the edge of the diode. In a second embodiment, the second lead section is provided with a pair of adjacent, facing upraised portions which provides for the interchangeability of all four leads.

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E. Northport, NY, United States of America

Alan V Hayes