Next, install the two 1N5819 diodes, D1 & D2. Remove the diodes from the tape, & place them in
the bowl. You'll notice that unlike the resistors and capacitors you've installed already, these diodes
have a metal tab protruding outwards at an angle from the device. When you solder the diode onto
the PCB, you want these metal tabs in contact with the pads on the PCB.
In addition, unlike the components you've installed up to now, these are polarised devices, meaning
they must be installed on the PCB with the correct orientation. If you look at one closely, you'll
notice a line marked on the top of the package, with the line closer to one of the tabs than the other.
(The line may be faint, so the use of a magnifying glass or loupe will help). This end of the diode
marked with the line is known as the cathode.
MTM SimpleEQ 1206 build doc v1.3
Page 17
Illustration 20: Surface mount diode facing upwards, showing the angled pins, and the
line identifying the cathode end (in this case on the left hand pin)