Diode arrays are composed of multiple discrete (usually unconnected) diodes on a single silicon chip. Diode arrays are important semiconductor products because they save assembly time and improve reliability over individually packaged diodes. In general, diode arrays use four or more diodes in a single package. The most efficient packaging scheme is typically eight diodes or more in a dual inline package (DIP). Diode arrays have been used for many years in both digital and linear circuits. Diode arrays are commonly used in such applications as computer and peripheral I/O ports, core driver switching, high frequency data lines, interface networks, LAN and WAN networks, and steering diode applications.