Semiconducto

r Diode
Diode

It is an electronic
device that ideally
conducts in only one
direction.
Actual
Features

L
e Anode Cathode L
g e
g
Electrical Symbol
PN Junction of DIODE
ØIn N- Type material, The
electron is called majority
carrier and hole is minority
carrier.
ØIn P- type material, the
electron is called minority
carrier and hole is majority
carrier.
 Internal Junction of
DIODE
P N

Electrons
Hol
e

Depletion Region Metal Contact

Diode
Applications
Ø
ØRadio demodulation

The first use for the

diode was the demodulation of 
amplitude modulated (AM) radio
broadcasts. The history of this
discovery is treated in depth
in the radio article
ØPower conversion

Rectifiers  are constructed

from diodes, where they are
used to convert 
alternating current (AC)
electricity into 
direct current (DC). 
ØOver - voltage protection

Diodes are frequently used

to conduct damaging high voltages
away from sensitive electronic
devices.
ØLogic gates

Diodes can be combined with

other components to construct
 AND and OR logic gates. This is
referred to as diode logic.
ØIonizing radiation
detectors

In addition to light,
mentioned above, semiconductor
 diodes are sensitive to more
 energetic radiation.
ØTemperature measurement

A diode can be used as a 

temperature measuring device,
since the forward voltage drop
across the diode depends on
temperature, as in a Silicon
band gap temperature sensor.
Ø
ØCurrent steering

Diodes will prevent currents

in unintended directions. To
supply power to an electrical
circuit during a power failure,
the circuit can draw current from
a battery.
Types of
Diodes
Ø
ØLight Emitting Diode ( LED )

 It is one of the most

popular type of diodes and when
this diode permits the transfer
of electric current between the
electrodes, light is produced.
ØAvalanche Diode

This type of diode operates

in the reverse bias, and used
avalanche effect for its operation.
Generally, the avalanche diode is
used for photo-detection, wherein
high levels of sensitivity can be
obtained by the avalanche process. 
ØLaser Diode

This type of diode is

different from the LED type, as
it produces coherent light. These
diodes find their application in
DVD and CD drives, laser pointers,
etc. Laser diodes are more
expensive than LEDs. 
ØZener diode

This type of diode provides a

stable reference voltage, thus is a
very useful type and is used in
vast quantities. The diode runs in
reverse bias, and breaks down on
the arrival of a certain voltage.
ØRectifier Diode

These diodes are used to

rectify alternating power inputs
in power supplies. They can
rectify current levels that range
from an amp upwards. If low
voltage drops are required.