Types of Diodes

P-N JUNCTION DIODE

Zener Diodes

P-N Junction Diodes

Schottky Diodes

Shockley Diodes
Varactor Diodes

Photosensitive Diodes

P-N JUNCTION DIODE

Photosensitive Diodes

Light Emitting Diode LED

Photodiodes

Photo voltaic cells

Types of Diodes and Their Uses

P-N JUNCTION DIODE

1.P.P-N Junction Diodes:

The characteristics of a regular P- junction diode show that it is designed
primarily for operation in the forward direction.
Are used to allow current to flow in one direction while blocking current
flow in the opposite direction.
direction.
A

Schematic Symbol for a PN Junction

Diode

P-N JUNCTION DIODE

2.Zener Diodes:
The Zener diode is a heavily doped diode which, as a result of doping, has

a very narrow depletion region. This allows the diode to be operated in

the reverse biased region of the characteristic curve without damaging
the P junction.

P-N JUNCTION DIODE

Are specifically designed to operate under reverse breakdown

conditions, have a higher resistance to current flow.
flow. These diodes have
a very accurate and specific reverse breakdown voltage
voltage.. Does not obey
Ohms law

K
Schematic Symbol for a Zener
Diode

P-N JUNCTION DIODE

Figure

shows

representative
diode

a
zener

regulator

circuit.

the circuit contains a series resistor, zener diode, load device, and a dc power supply.

The primary function of this circuit is to maintain the load voltage at a constant 15 V.
With 25 V applied, current through RS will cause a voltage drop of 10 V.

P-N JUNCTION DIODE

The output voltage or VZ across the diode is therefore 15 V. An increase in

the supply voltage to 30 V would simply cause the zener to conduct more
current. The voltage drop across RS would therefore increase to 15 V. This
in turn would cause VZ and the load voltage to remain at 15 V. A decrease
in supply voltage to 20 V would cause a reduction in total current. The
voltage drop across RS would now drop to only 5 V. The load voltage
across the diode would continue to be 15 V.

This means that the regulated output will remain at 15 V for a change in
supply voltage from 20 to 30 V. Voltage regulation is an important function
of many electronic circuits today.

3.Schottky Diodes:

P-N JUNCTION DIODE

These diodes are designed to have a very fast switching time

which makes them a great diode for digital circuit
applications.. They are very common in computers because of
applications
their ability to be switched on and off so quickly
quickly..

P-N JUNCTION DIODE

5. Varactor Diodes:

A decrease in reverse bias voltage causes a corresponding

increase in capacitance. In effect, the capacitance of a diode
varies inversely with its bias voltage.
Varactor diodes are used primarily in resonant circuits where
some level of tuning or frequency control is desired.

Schematic Symbols for Photodiodes

11

Photosensitive Diodes

P-N JUNCTION DIODE

Photodiodes

Light Emitting Diode LED

Photo voltaic cells

Varactor Diodes

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P-N JUNCTION DIODE

a.Light Emitting Diode: LED

Light--emitting diodes are semiconductor diodes which emit

Light
light when current passes through them
them..
It contains a P- junction that emits light when passing
forward current
A

Schematic Symbol for a

Light--Emitting Diode
Light

13

P-N JUNCTION DIODE

LED: How It Works

16

The holes exist at a

lower energy level than
the free electrons

Therefore when a free

electrons falls it losses
energy

P-N JUNCTION DIODE

LED: How It Works

17

This energy is emitted

in a form of a photon,
which causes light

The color of the light is

determined by the fall of
the electron and hence
energy level of the
photon

P-N JUNCTION DIODE

Inside a Light Emitting Diode

1.

Transparent Plastic Case

2.

Terminal Pins

3.

Diode

18

P-N JUNCTION DIODE

Kinds of LEDs

19

P-N JUNCTION DIODE

How to Connect a LED:

Requires 1.5~2.5V and 10 mA

To prevent overloading, use resistor 470

20

P-N JUNCTION DIODE

b. Photodiodes:

While LEDs emit light, Photodiodes are sensitive to received

light..
light

They are constructed so their P-N junction can be

exposed to the outside through a clear window or lens

lens..

This device is designed for operation in the reverse

bias direction.

An external voltage source is

required to reverse bias the device.

In Photoconductive mode the saturation current increases in

proportion to the intensity of the received light.
light. This type of
diode is used in CD players
players..

Schematic Symbols22for Photodiodes

c. Photovoltaic Cells:

P-N JUNCTION DIODE

When the P-N junction is exposed to a certain wavelength of

light, the diode generates voltage and can be used as an energy
source..
source
o outside source of electricity is needed to produce current.
when light is applied, an interesting condition can be observed.
Photocurrent (IPH) will flow in the circuit because of the photovoltage
(VPH) that is developed across the junction.

VPH is due to the generation of new electron-hole pairs in the depletion

region.

P-N JUNCTION DIODE

c. Photovoltaic Cells:

Electrons move into the  material because of its normal positive ion
concentration. Holes are likewise swept into the P material because of its
negative-ion content
This action causes the  material to immediately take on a negative charge
and the P material to take on a positive charge. The P- junction therefore
responds as a small voltage cell.

This type of diode is used in the production of solar power.

power.

Schematic Symbols for Photodiodes

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