There are more than 20 types of diodes with each performing a unique electronic function within an electronic circuit. LEDs, Laser, and Photodiodes are just a few examples.
A diode is a miniature electronic component that consists of two terminals and primarily allows for the flow of electric current in one direction.
Additionally, a diode blocks the flow of electric current in the opposite direction thus making it one of the most important electronic components in the electronic sphere.
Some of the diode’s functions include rectification, signal clamping, and switching making them very important components.
Diodes help much in the control of electricity flow in electronic systems – without them, it is probably electronics would not exist.
Kindly read below. By the time you finish this article, you’ll learn more about all the types of diodes, their functions, and their applications.
Characteristics of Types of Diodes
Numerous characteristics of diodes make them unique electronic components. Below we dig deeper and let you know them.
Anode and Cathode
A diode has two terminals known as the Anode (positive terminal) and the Cathode (negative terminal). In a forward-biased diode connection, the current flows from the anode to the cathode, and the same is blocked when the diode connection is reverse-biased.
Power Dissipation (power rating)
Recovery Time (Reverse Recovery Time)
Forward Voltage Drop (Forward Voltage)
Reverse-Biased Condition
Functions and Applications of Diodes
Diodes have multiple functions and are found in many electronic applications. Below we uncover them in a detailed manner.
Rectification
Rectification is one of the main diode functions. It is the process of converting alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC).
Half-Wave and Full-Wave rectifier circuits are employed via diodes and allow current flow in one direction by smoothing out AC voltage into a DC signal.
Types of Diodes
There are so many types of diodes. each of these diode types has a specific function. Rectifiers, Zener, LEDs, Schottky, Varctor, Tunnel, and Photo Diodes are among them.
Below we expound more on diode types you are likely to come across in your electronics journey…
Rectifier Diodes (General Purpose Diodes)
General-purpose diodes also known as rectifier diodes are used for rectification, converting alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC).
There are two main series of rectifier diodes. The 1N400X series is for low-frequency applications and the 1N540X series is for high-voltage applications.
An example of the 1N400X series would be 1N4001 and the 1N540X series would be 1N5409.
To add to the above, these diodes are quite important. Most low-voltage appliances like radios use these diodes to rectify the AC voltage coming from step-down transformers.
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