Operation of the Diode and Diode as Switch

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the operation of diodes and their applications as switches in electronic circuits.

Diode

A semiconductor device with two terminals that allows current to flow in one direction.

Forward bias

Condition where the positive terminal of a voltage supply is connected to the p-type material and the negative terminal to the n-type material, allowing current to flow.

Reverse bias

Condition where the positive terminal is connected to the n-type material and the negative terminal to the p-type material, preventing current flow.

P-N junction

The junction formed by the contact of p-type and n-type semiconductors, essential in diode operation.

Depletion region

The region around a p-n junction where mobile charge carriers have been depleted, creating a barrier for current flow.

N-type semiconductor

A type of semiconductor in which the majority charge carriers are electrons, created by doping with pentavalent impurities.

P-type semiconductor

A type of semiconductor in which the majority charge carriers are holes, created by doping with trivalent impurities.

Doping

The process of adding impurities to a semiconductor to change its electrical properties.

Forward voltage drop

The voltage that must be applied to a diode in forward bias before it conducts significant current, typically about 0.7 V for silicon.

Rectification

The process of converting alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) using a diode.

Diode current equation

A mathematical expression that relates the current flowing through a diode to the voltage across it.

Static I-V characteristics

The graphical representation of the current flowing through a diode as a function of the applied voltage.

LED (Light Emitting Diode)

A special type of diode that emits light when current flows through it.

Avalanche breakdown

A phenomenon in which a diode conducts heavily in reverse bias when the reverse voltage exceeds a certain threshold.

Zener diode

A type of diode that allows current to flow in both directions but is designed to conduct in the reverse direction at a specific voltage.

Electrical conductivity

A measure of how well a material allows the flow of electric current.