To further illustrate, we can use the above schematic circuit diagram. The resulting reading will be the diode’s forward voltage drop. We can examine this by using a multimeter and measuring across the leads of a diode while it is in forward-bias. The reason for this is because a circuit loses or drops this voltage at the diode. We call this minimum voltage threshold in the forward direction the diode’s forward voltage drop. However, upon attaining the forward voltage, the current flows with ease through the diode. Until it achieves this voltage amount, the current will not flow. In general, the specified amount of voltage a diode requires before allowing the current to flow is minute. Diode Current Flow FunctionalityĪ standard diode requires a precise amount of forward voltage before it permits the flow of current. And then consider the vertical line on the cathode side as an enormous minus sign (-), depicting which side of a diode is negative for forward-bias. Hence, a diode permits the flow of current in the direction of the arrow. As a rule, consider the anode side of the schematic symbol as the arrow depicting the standard direction of current flow, i.e., positive (+) to negative (-). However, it is also crucial that you differentiate between the sides or semiconductor regions as well.įirstly, about the symbol representing a diode schematically, the cathode is on the right side and the anode is on the left side. We briefly discussed the two semiconductor regions in a diode (P and N). Note: Although while in forward-bias current flows and reverse-bias it does not, there is a maximum limit to the level of current a diode can effectively block. When we connect voltage to a diode in this direction, we call it reverse-bias. At this time, the diode acts as an insulator. However, if we reverse this voltage direction, i.e., connect the negative (-) side to the anode and the positive (+) side to the cathode, the current will not flow. When we connect voltage to a diode in this direction, we call it forward-bias. When we connect a voltage source to a diode so that the positive side of the voltage source links to the anode and the negative side connects to the cathode, the diode acts as a conductor, thus allowing current to flow. In contrast, we call the lead connected to the P-type semiconductor the anode, which makes it the positive side of a diode. Therefore, the cathode is the negative side of a diode. We call the lead affixed to the N-type semiconductor the cathode. It also has leads connected to these two ends that afford ease of implementation into virtually any electronic circuit. Although this is a simplified version of the answer, it is still fundamentally correct.Ī diode is an electronic component consisting of a P-type and N-type semiconductor material we call the p-n junction. In electronics, we define bias or biasing as a method of establishing a set of currents or voltages at different points of an electronic circuit to set proper operating conditions within an electronic component(s). The conditions or states a typical diode can exist in are forward-bias or reverse-bias. If the voltage across a diode is negative, then no current will flow thus, an ideal diode appears as an open circuit. Since the current can only flow in one direction (forward-bias), we unofficially think of diodes as one-way electronic valves. The DiodeĪs stated, the current flowing through a diode can only go in one direction, and we call this state forward-bias. Furthermore, there is a clear designation between these two states of operation. Diodes allow current to flow in one direction without the effects of any impedance, while entirely blocking all flow of current flow in the other. Fundamentally, a diode is a component that permits current to flow in a single direction and blocks it in the other direction. In comparison to the myriad of electronic components we encounter in the field of electronics, the diode is a relatively simple component. Learn about how changes to diode biasing determine whether they function as insulators or conductors.Gain a greater understanding of the characteristics of diode current flow.
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