What is a diode? Types of diodes commonly used today

A diode is a very common semiconductor device in our lives. So do you understand what a diode is? To learn more about this component, please refer to our following article!

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What is a diode

What is a diode? It’s a semi-common electronic component made from a compound of silicon, phosphorus, and boron. These are 3 elements doped together to create 2 layers of P-type and N-type semiconductors in contact. One pole of the diode connected to the P layer is the Anode and the pole connected to the N is the Katot. The most basic property of a diode is that it only allows current to flow from A to K.

What is the principle of operation of the diode?

The diode only allows current to flow from the anode to the katot; no current flows in the opposite direction. The diode can be likened to a one-way solenoid valve in an electrical circuit when we only want the current to move in a fixed direction. Then the diode devices will do this task to help you control the operation.

The anode pole is always denoted by a triangle, and the katot pole is denoted by a dash. By connecting the positive terminal of the source to the anode, it means that the diode allows current to flow, making the bulb light. When connecting the positive pole of the power supply to the katot, this diode will not allow current to flow, and the bulb will not light.

What is an ideal diode?

An ideal diode would be a one-way solenoid valve that causes no voltage drop for current. In fact, the active current flowing through the diode causes a voltage drop between the anode and cathode, corresponding to a voltage of about 0.2 to 1.4 V, depending on the material of the diode. This voltage is also known as VF. So our light bulb will not be powered directly by the 12V power supply, but only by 11.3V because the diode causes a voltage drop of 0.7V through. This is a disadvantage when the current through the load is large because it causes power dissipation.

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Important parameters when using diode

Rated current through a diode

With a diode, the parameters observed in the circuit allow the maximum current to pass. Rated current is also known as IF. If the diode in the circuit has more current, it won’t be able to work. For example, a 1n4007 rectifier diode has an IF = 1A.

Reverse voltage withstand

The anti-reverse diode has the function of not allowing current to flow through, meaning it has to face reverse voltage at the two ends of the katot and the anode in the middle. If the power supply has a DC voltage value of about 60 volts.

Frequency response of diode

Each diode is designed to operate at a specific allowable signal frequency. If this diode can only handle this frequency but is connected to a circuit with a different frequency, then the measuring diode will be damaged.

Classification of diodes and their uses in electrical circuits

Current diodes are divided into the following main categories:

Rectifier diode

It works in a low frequency range, can only withstand large currents, and the reverse voltage is less than 1000 volts. This type is only used as an AC to DC rectifier circuit.

Pulse diode

This diode has a high frequency response of tens of kilohertz, which can also reach megahertz. Pulse diodes are widely used in pulse source circuit boards and as high-frequency electronic components in high-power equipment.

Light-emitting diode

Most are applied to LED lights, which are widely used for lighting, signal lights, or advertising lights.

Zener Diode

The zener diode is used for low-voltage circuits because it has good voltage stability during operation. This type of diode has a very special function because current can flow from K to A. If the source voltage is higher than the pin voltage, a reverse current will flow through it.

Applications of diodes in practice

• Used for power rectification, it converts alternating current into direct current.
• Use to reduce voltage: when current flows, each diode causes a voltage drop across it. In many cases, people use this feature to depressurize their devices. For example, if you have a 3-volt radio with a 5-volt charger, you can put 3 diodes in series and then connect them to the 5-volt terminal. Thus, the voltage at the final output of the diode will be approximately 3 volts.
• Protection against incorrect polarity: Many electronic DC devices are designed in such a way that they do not allow reverse-biased power supplies. If the polarity is reversed, the device fails immediately. So there must be a way to determine the pins of the bridge diode to protect electrical equipment and make sure one adds a diode before setting the device’s polarity. It is configured so that the current can only flow in one direction. So even if you charge in reverse, the devices installed in the system are safe.

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With the above basic knowledge, you should be able to answer the question “What is a diode?”. Hopefully, with the above information, you can understand more about this semiconductor device. Any need for components, solder, solder paste, etc.? Do not hesitate to contact us for advice!