By Kevin Mason, Updated Mar 24, 2022
A Schottky diode functions like a conventional diode, allowing current to flow in only one direction. Its key advantage is a faster electrical response, thanks to a lower voltage drop. Common issues include short‑circuiting and overheating.
Set your digital multimeter to the continuity test mode. This setting, often marked with a diode symbol or a sound wave icon, lets you detect whether current can travel between the test leads.
Insert the red (positive) lead into the multimeter’s ohm‑meter jack and the black (common) lead into the common jack.
Locate the cathode and anode on the diode. The cathode is typically closer to the line marking the diode’s body. Connect the red lead to the anode and the black lead to the cathode.
Listen for a beep or buzz. A tone indicates that the diode is conducting in the forward direction as expected. No tone suggests a fault.
Swap the leads: connect the red lead to the cathode and the black lead to the anode. The multimeter should remain silent; a tone here means the diode is defective.
A Schottky diode typically drops 0.15–0.45 V, compared to 0.6–1.7 V for a standard silicon diode.
If you can’t find the continuity setting, consult your multimeter’s user manual.
Always power down the circuit before testing to prevent inadvertent current flow through the multimeter, which could damage the meter or the circuit.
