DEPARTMENT OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION

ANDHRA PRADESH
Name : G. Rama Krishna Rao
Designation : Lecturer
Branch : Electronics and Communication Engg.,
Institution : Govt. Polytechnic, Anantapur
Year/Semester : 1year
Subject : Electronic components& devices(7/8)
Subject Code : EC-105
Topic : Semiconductor Diode
Sub Topic : Specifications and Applications
Duration : 50 minutes
Teaching Aids : Device samples.
EC105.127 1
Recap

We have discussed the following topics

• Junction Properties.

• V-I Characteristics P-N Junction Diode.

• Forward, reverse resistance.

EC105.127 2
Objectives
On completion of this topic you would be able to
understand

• Diode Variants.

• Diode numbering.

• Identification of Leads.

• Specifications.

• Applications.
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Diode-Variants

• Rectifier diodes: These diodes are used for

AC to DC conversion
Over voltage protection.
• Signal diodes : Detection of signals in AM/FM Receivers.

• Zener diode: Voltage Regulation purpose.

• Varactor diode for variable capacitance

Electronic tuning commonly used in TV receivers.

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 (contd…)
• Light Emitting Diodes (LED) :
Display
Light source in Fiber optic comm.

• Photo diodes : Light detectors in Fiber optic comm.

• Tunnel diode: Negative resistance for Microwave

oscillations

• Gunn diode :Microwave Oscillator.

• Shottkey diode: High speed Logic circuits

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Semiconductor diodes

Fig. 1 Diode variants Visual - 1

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Diode numbering
First Standard (EIA/JEDEC):

In this approach the semiconductor devices are identified

with the no of junctions.

1N series : single junction devices such as

P-N junction Diode. e.g.: 1N4001,1N3020.

2N series : Two junction devices such as Transistors. e.g.:

2N2102,1N3904.

EIA= Electronic Industries association

JDEC=Joint Electron Engineering Council.

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 (contd…)

Second Standard

In this method devices given with alpha-numeric codes. And

each alphabet has a specific information which tells about
application, material of fabrication.

First Letter: material

A=Germanium.
B=Silicon.
C=Gallium arsenide.
R=compound material (e.g. Cadmium sulphide).

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(contd..)
Second Letter: For device type and function

A= Diode.
B= Varactor.
C= AF Low Power Transistor.
D= AF Power Transistor.
E= Tunnel Diode.
F= HF Low Power Transistor.
L= HF Power Transistor.
S= Switching Transistor.
R= Thyristor/Triac.
Y= power device.
Z= Zener.

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 (contd..)
Third Letter: Tolerance

A :±1%.
B :±2%.
C :±5%.
D :±10%.

Examples:

• AC128: Germanium AF low power Transistor.

• BC149: Silicon AF low power Transistor.

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(contd…)

3. BY114 : Silicon Crystal diode.

4. BZC 6.3 : Silicon Zener diode Vz= 6.3v.
5. BY127 : Silicon rectifier diode.

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 Lead Identification:

Commonly the cathode is identified with

a band marking
a dot marking or
with a rounded edge.

Fig. 2 Diode lead identification

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 Specifications

1. Peak inverse voltage (PIV)

It is the max. voltage a diode can survive under reverse
bias.
• Max. Forward current (If).
It is the maximum current that can flow through the diode
under forward bias condition.
• Reverse saturation current (Io).
Amount of current flow through the diode under reverse
bias condition.

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Specifications (contd…)

• Max power rating (Pmax).

Maximum power that can be dissipated in the diode.

• Operating Temperature (oC ).

The range of temperature over which diode can be
operated.

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Applications

1. Rectifier circuits for AC-DC Conversion.

3. Over voltage protection circuits.

5. Limiter, Clamping, voltage doublers circuits.

7. Signal detector in AM/FM Receivers.

9. In transistor bias compensation networks.

11. Digital Logic gates.

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Summary

We discussed the following points in this class:

• Diode Variants.
• Diode numbering.
• Identification of Leads.
• Specifications.
• Applications.

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 Quiz

1. A signal diode is used for …….. in AM/ FM

receivers.
Ans: signal detection.

2. A rectifier converts:
a) AC to DC
b) DC to AC
c) none.
low
3. A working diode exhibits a ……..resistance in FB and ……..
high
resistance in RB.

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 (Ccntd..)

4. A device numbered as BY127 specifies a….

Ans: Silicon rectifier diode.

5. PIV refers to ……….voltage under ………… operation.

Ans: Peak, RB.

6. A Varactor has the property of variable….

a) resistance
b) inductance
c) capacitance.
d) None
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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Mention various types of diode.

2. State the specifications of a diode.

3. List the applications of a diode.

4. Discuss the numbering schemes of semi

conductor devices.

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