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2 Discussion: Testing a Diode Using a Multimeter

Before testing the diode, what should the first step be? Explain.

Finding the anode and cathode terminals of the diode should be the first step before testing the
semiconductor. This is crucial because an accurate reading from the multimeter requires a good
connection to the diode. The reading could be reversed if the multimeter is attached to the wrong
terminals, which could cause confusion and result in a mistaken diagnosis of the issue.

Discuss the connecting terminals, negative and positive. Why is it important to connect the terminals
correctly?

When testing diodes, it's crucial to connect the anode and cathode terminals properly. Diodes have two
terminals. The cathode is the terminal without the band, whereas the anode is often denoted by a white
or coloured band. It's crucial to connect the multimeter's positive lead to the anode and the negative
lead to the cathode when testing a diode with it. Incorrect terminal connections might result in
inaccurate results or potentially harm the multimeter or the diode.

In the video, the narrator mentions shorted and leaky diodes. Explain how shorted and leaky diodes
occur.

Diodes can become shorted and leaky for a number of reasons, including as physical harm, ageing, and
overheating. When a diode's junction fails, a low resistance route for current to flow in both directions
results in a shorted diode. This may cause an excessive current flow that harms other circuit elements. A
leaky diode, on the other hand, develops when the diode junction loses its capacity to block current in
the opposite direction, causing a tiny but considerable current flow in that direction.

Complete some additional research related to different methods of testing diodes. Share your findings
with your peers.

Diode testing can be done in a variety of ways, including the one described in the video using a
multimeter. Other techniques include applying an AC signal across the diode using a signal generator,
inspecting the waveform across the diode with an oscilloscope, and inspecting the voltage-current
properties of the diode with a curve tracer. The choice of approach depends on the particular demands
and requirements of the test. Each of these methods has benefits and drawbacks. For instance,
employing a curve tracer can give precise details about the characteristics of the diode, but it could need
targeted tools and training to use.

Sources:

https://www.electronicshub.org/test-a-diode/

https://www.fluke.com/en/learn/blog/digital-multimeters/how-to-test-diodes

https://www.youtube.com/embed/qSDRsz5-t7I?enablejsapi=1&version=3&playerapiid=ytplayer