Diodes? What are they???

A diode is a semiconductor device with 2 electrodes : anode and cathode.

A diode is a semiconductor device which allows current flow in one direction only. It is made from a single piece of semiconductor which is doped n-type and the other p-type.

A diode conducts only when it is forward biased. (anode is made more positive compared to cathode). Under forward bias, current flows.

A diode does not conduct when reverse biased. (cathode is made more positive compared to anode). Under reverse bias, there is no current in the circuit.

Reflect on this :

Is there an analogy between the diode and the hydraulic valve in the picture below?
Hint:Fig (a) shows a forward biased diode and fig (b) shows a reverse biased diode

What are semiconductors?

Semiconductors are materials whose conductivity is between that of conductors and insulators.

Examples of semiconductor materials : Silicon and Germanium.

These materials are used to make semiconductor devices like Diodes, Transistors and Integrated Circuits which are the building blocks of Electronics. These devices have led to the miniaturization of our gadgets in daily life e.g. computers, i-pods etc.

Reflect on this :

Imagine a life without electronic appliances. What are the things you would miss?

Post your comments....

Welcome to Electronics World

Hey Guys

Welcome to the amazing world of Electronics! Here we will discuss and reflect upon various interesting topics in Electronics.....