Theoretical Discussion

Diodes are fundamental building blocks in modern electronics, serving as essential components in
various circuits and devices. Their primary function is to allow current flow in one direction (forward
bias) while significantly restricting it in the opposite direction (reverse discrimination). This unique
characteristic arises from the diode's internal structure and the behavior of electrons within the
semiconductor material.

The operating principle of a diode relies on the concept of a p-n junction formed by joining two
semiconductor regions with different doping concentrations. The p-type region contains excess positive
"holes," while the n-type region possesses an abundance of free electrons. When these regions are
combined, the electrons diffuse across the junction, creating a depletion region devoid of free charge
carriers. This depletion region acts as a potential barrier, hindering current flow in the reverse direction.

Interpretation of Results

In this experiment wherein we are tasked with setting up a diode, we measured the voltage and
resistance of the diode with the red lead of the digital multimeter to the cathode and with the black lead
to the anode and vice versa, as seen in Table 2.1, the diode is in good condition as it satisfies both
requirements of forward bias.

Next, we connected it to a breadboard and created a series circuit of power supply, resistor, and an LED.
As we measured the voltage in the resistor, its voltage is 7.7 V meaning in a 10Vdc, the rest are being
distributed to the diode and the LED light. However, by turning the diode around, there is no flow in
current as it is in a reverse bias. We saw the sinusoid wave forming on the display screen by removing
the LED light and connecting the circuit to a digital oscilloscope. We also attempted it individually by
using a software called PSpice and by simulating the same circuit we did in the laboratory; we also saw
the graph in the simulator.

Conclusion

In this experiment, wherein we were tasked with setting up a diode, we studied and learned the
essential characteristics of a silicon diode. We were also introduced to PSpice software for circuit
simulation and applied it to the report.

References

Millman, Jacob, and Christos C. Halkias. Integrated Electronics: Analog and Digital Circuits and Systems.
Tata McGraw-Hill Education, 2007.

Streetman, Ben G., and Sanjay Banerjee. Solid State Electronic Devices. Pearson Education, 2016.

Rashid, Muhammad H. Microelectronic Circuits: Analysis and Design. Cengage Learning, 2011.

Horowitz, Paul, and Winfield Hill. The Art of Electronics. Cambridge University Press, 2015.