Dang Nguyen, 1

Experiment 9: Diodes

Experiment [EM-8656]

by

Dang Nguyen

Submitted to

Professor John Barry

Physics Lab Report [2126]

Southwest College
Houston Community College System

Spring 2021
 Dang Nguyen, 2

Experiment 9: Diodes

Abstracts

Diode, an electrical component that allows the flow of current in only one direction. The

most common type of diode uses a p-n junction in which one material (n) has electrons as charge

carriers next to a second material (p) with holes (places depleted of electrons) as charge carriers.

The purpose of this lab will be to experimentally determine some of the operating characteristics

of semiconductor diodes.

Comments:

This experiment focuses on the investigation of the basic characteristics of a diode. This

was conducted as an introductory to the Electronics laboratory and in line with some topics in

lecture classes. This was also to expand the students' knowledge and as well as his laboratory

skills on the subject.

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Experiment 9: Diodes

Introduction: Diodes are one of the simplest, but most useful of all semiconductor

devices. Many types of diodes are used for a wide range of applications. Rectifier diodes are a

vital component in power supplies where they are used to convert AC mains (line) voltage to

DC. Zener diodes are used for voltage stabilization, preventing unwanted variations in DC

supplies within a circuit, and to supply accurate reference voltages for many circuits. Diodes can

also be used to prevent disastrous damage to battery-powered equipment when batteries are

connected in the wrong polarity.

Theory: The diode is comprised of a P-type material combined with an N-type material.

Current flows from the negative terminal of the battery to the N-type and on through the P-type

and then returns to the positive terminal of the battery. When the diode is at rest, The P-type

consists of Holes or + charged particles. The N-type consists of Free Electrons or charged

particles.
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Sample Data Table:

Diode Type: 1N4007

Forward Bias Reverse Bias

R, Ω VAB, VBC, volts I, mA R, Ω VAB, volts VBC, volts I, mA

volts
1K 0.28 0.02 0 330 0.9 0.09 0
1K 0.34 0.034 0.001 330 2.07 0.2 0.002
1K 0.42 0.038 0.009 330 4.94 0.39 0.004
1K 0.50 0.488 0.101 330 7.28 0.68 0.006

Extensions:

1) If your instructor has a Zener diode, carry out the same investigations that you did above.

What differences are there in basic diodes and Zener diodes?

- A Zener diode would be similar to 1N4007 except that that would be a breakpoint on the

reverse biasing beyond which the current would flow. This makes them useful for power

regulation.

2) Use an LED (light-emitting diode) to carry out the same investigations. What differences

are there between basic diodes and LED?

- The LED open up at higher voltage then the 1N4007.

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Sample calculation:

%different of current (Forward Bias) = (0.101-0.009)/(0.101)*100 = 91.09%

%different of current (Reverse Bias) = (0.004-0.002)/(0.004)*100 = 50%

Discussion / Analysis / Conclusions:

Diodes are one of the simplest, but most useful of all semiconductor devices. Many types

of diodes are used for a wide range of applications. Rectifier diodes are a vital component in

power supplies where they are used to convert AC mains (line) voltage to DC. Zener diodes are

used for voltage stabilization, preventing unwanted variations in DC supplies within a circuit,

and to supply accurate reference voltages for many circuits. Diodes can also be used to prevent

disastrous damage to battery-powered equipment when batteries are connected in the wrong

polarity.