I-V Characteristics

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The first quadrant represents the forward biased condition. Below the barrier potential, there is very little forward current. When the forward voltage reaches the value of the barrier potential, (0.7V for silicon and 0.3V for germanium), the current begins to increase. Can be limited by a series resistor.

I-V Characteristics
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The voltage across the forward biased is known as knee voltage The third quadrant represents the reverse biased condition. The leakage current flows until the breakdown voltage is approached. When the reverse voltage reaches the value of the breakdown voltage, ( 50V for germanium and 100V for silicon), the current begins to increase.