Diode

Chapter 10

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Chapter Objectives
Define diodes

Explain the concept of a bias in a diode

Explain the types of diodes Identify the use of diode in a rectifier (half wave, full

wave and bridge rectifiers) Identify the use of diodes and rectifiers in a computer

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Recall
Semiconductors have four electrons in their outer shell.

Semiconductors do not give up or accept electrons Germanium and silicon are most common examples of semiconductors The process of doping increases the conductivity of semiconductors When a pure semiconductor is doped with arsenic, an N-type material is created which contains large number of free electrons When a pure semiconductor is doped with gallium, Ptype material is created which contains large number of holes
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Diodes
Diode is an electronic device which allows current to

flow only in one direction

Diodes are formed by joining the N-type and P-type

semiconductors

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Barrier Voltage
Barrier voltage prevents the further combination of

electrons and holes which limits the size of depletion region

Barrier Voltage is higher for a silicon PN junction

diode as compared to germanium PN junction diode

Barrier Voltage cannot be measured because it exists

inside the junction diode

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Question for GD

Time Limit 2mins

What is the barrier voltage value for silicon

and germanium diode?

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Diode Biasing
The voltage applied to the semiconductor diode is

referred to as bias voltage.

The type of bias voltages:

Forward Bias Reverse Bias

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Forward Bias
A forward biased diode conducts current in the

forward direction A forward biased diode conducts current as long as a high external bias voltage with correct polarity is applied

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Reverse Bias
Extremely small current flows through the diode

during reverse biasing. The minority carriers are forced towards the junction where they combine and support an extremely small current

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Question for GD

Time Limit 2mins

What are the two types of current that flow

from diode?

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Types of Diode I
There are several diodes available in the market. Each type of diode has its own characteristic, which make them suitable for different electronic devices.
PN Junction Diode

These are standard types of diodes. They are formed by combining a P-type and an N-type semiconductor. These diodes are used in radio frequency applications.

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Types of Diode II

PN junction diode

Zener Diode

Zener diodes have a low pre-determined Reverse Breakdown Voltage called Zener Voltage (Vzk).

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Types of Diode III

Light Emitting Diode

The LED diodes are used in television sets to indicate whether the television is on or is on a standby mode.
Photodiode

Photodiodes are used for detecting light in optical fibers and other light-sensitive applications.

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Group Activity

Time Limit 2mins

Show the sample components of LED and

photo diode.

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Types of Diode IV
Schottky Diodes

It is used in radio frequency applications.

PIN Diodes

Used in power rectifiers and RF protection circuits.

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Hands on
Determining the anode and cathode terminals

of a diode
Verify and study the testing of diode

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Use of diode in a Rectifier - I

The description of the following types of rectifiers

would explain the use of diodes in each of them:

Half wave Rectifier Full wave Rectifier Bridge Rectifier

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Use of diode in a Half wave Rectifier - I

Half wave Rectifier
A rectifier which converts an AC signal into DC by allowing either positive or negative cycle of an incoming AC signal is called a Half Wave rectifier. The output is a series of positive or negative pulses, depending on how diode is connected in the circuit.

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Use of diode in a Half wave Rectifier -II

A silicon diode is placed in series with the load so that

current can flow in only one direction and not in the other.
During positive cycle diode is forward biased . So that

the diode offers very low resistance and allow the current flow.
In the negative half cycle, the diode is reverse biased

and hence it conducts no current.

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Hands on
Perform the practical of Half-wave rectifier on

Oscilloscope

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Use of diode in a Full wave Rectifier - I

A rectifier which converts an AC signal into DC by

allowing both positive and negative cycles of an incoming AC signal is called as a Full Wave rectifier.
In Full wave rectifier, circuit uses two diodes D1 and D2

with center tapped transformer.

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Use of diode in a Full wave Rectifier - II

During the positive half cycle of secondary, diode D1

becomes forward biased and D2 is reverse biased. Hence diode D1 conducts and D2 does not.
During negative half cycle, D2 becomes forward biased

and D1 is reverse biased. Hence D2 conducts and D1 does not. The output of a full wave rectifier is shown below.

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Use of diode in a Bridge Rectifier- I

Bridge rectifier contains four diodes D1, D2, D3 and D4.

During the positive half cycle of secondary voltage,

the end P becomes positive and Q negative. Thus diode D1 and D3 become forward biased and start conducting. D2 and D4 are reverse biased.
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Use of diode in a Bridge Rectifier- II

During negative half cycle of secondary voltage, the end

P becomes negative and end Q positive. Then diodes D2 and D4 are forward biased and D1 and D3 becomes reverse biased.
The output wave form is shown below.

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Hands on
Perform the practical of Bridge rectifier on

Oscilloscope

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Use of diodes and rectifiers in a computer

Diodes are used to create power supplies and

voltage doublers.
Rectifiers are specific assemblies of diodes , which

act as a power regulator for your computer.

Rectifiers help in reducing power losses, and thus

help in creating a cooler operating temperature.

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Summary - I
Diode is an electronic device which allows current to

flow only in one direction

Barrier voltage prevents the further combination of

electrons and holes which limits the size of depletion region

Bias voltage is the voltage applied across a

semiconductor diode
A forward biased diode conducts current in the

forward direction
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Summary - II
A reverse biased diode conducts current in the

opposite direction
PN junction, Zener, Light Emitting Diode (LED),

Photodiode and Schottky are the most widely used types of diodes
Rectifier is an electronic circuit used for converting an

alternating current to direct current.

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Summary - III
A rectifier which converts an AC signal into DC by

allowing either positive or negative cycle of an incoming AC signal is called a Half Wave rectifier.
A rectifier which converts an AC signal into DC by

allowing both positive and negative cycles of an incoming AC signal is called as a Full Wave rectifier.

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Mind Map
Draw a mind map to summarize this chapter

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