DIODE

What is a
Diode?

The Junction Diode/

Diode
- the most basic semiconductor that is
constructed & operated based on the
pn-junction.
- another name for pn-crystal.
- the word diode is a contraction.
- the basic function of a diode is to
restrict current flow to one direction.

 PN-junction/
Junction
- Depletion region
- The border where the ptype & n-type region meet.
- No free electrons or holes
exist at the junction,
meaning it has no free
charges.
- It is where barrier
potential can be
measure. (0.7V for Si, 0.5
for Ge)

The PNJunction
Operations

 Forward Bias
- Junction narrows
- It happens p-type is more positive
that the n-type.

 Reverse Bias
- Junction widen
- It happens p-type is more
negative that the n-type.

Diode
Operation

Diode Characteristic
Curve

@ Forward Bias
Allows majority carriers or forward
current, ID to flow.
ID

Conditions:
Anode must be positive with respect to cathode.
The potential difference should be greater than
the diode threshold voltage / knee voltage (it is
the voltage where the current starts to increase
rapidly, approximately equal to 0.7V for Si, and
0.3V for Ge).

@ Reverse Bias
No forward current can flow but only
minority carriers (leakage current)

Conditions:
Cathode must be positive with respect to anode.
The potential difference should be greater than
the diode breakdown voltage.