i have seen schematics for shockety diodes. it looks to me like 2 diods pinting to a central terminal. what exactly are these used for. the only use i can think of is in a transformer power supply if you have a 10V transformer center taped is GND you could use a shokety to partily rectify and join each side together for more current. is it possible to just use one of the diodes by conecting only 2 terminals?

 

As far as I know, there is no such thing as a Shockety diode. I think you may be referring to a Shockley diode. It is a trigger device, and although it has four layers only two terminals are normally accessible to the user. Because if this, I do not think that it could be used in the way you suggest. The DIAC is a related but bidirectional device.
http://www.circuitstoday.com/shockley-diode
http://www.district87.org/staff/wal...CircuitAnalysis/Shockley Diodes and DIACs.htm

This must be distinguished from a Schottky diode, which is a metal-semiconductor diode which has some advantages over a PN diode.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schottky_diode

Then again, there is the Shockley diode equation, or diode law: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diode#Shockley_diode_equation

 

ok i was refering to a SCHOTTKY diode then

 

They are a high speed diode for use mainly in SMPS.