Diode
A semiconductor that allows current to flow in one direction only. It is a two-terminal device which has nonlinear and asymmetrical (about zero) voltage versus current characteristics.
- The Ideal Diode
- If v is negative, the diode is reversed biased and acts as a closed switch with V = 0.
- If a positive current is applied in the direction shown, the diode is forward biased and acts like an open circuit.
- The Real Diode
- If V is negative, the diode is reversed biased. If the magnitude of V is small, the diode conducts little until the magnitude of V reaches the breakdown voltage at which point the diode conducts.
- If a positive current is applied in the direction shown, the diode is forward biased. There is not a significant amount of conduction until the voltage reaches about 0.7V.
See also: Diode Drop, Diode Transistor Logic, Hot Carrier Diode, Junction Diode, Laser Diode, Light Emitting Diode, Photodiode, PIN Diode, Point Contact Diode, Rectifier, Schottky Diode, Series Diode Detector, Silicon Controlled Rectifier, Tunnel Diode, Zener Diode.
Subjects: Electronics