Basic Electronics - Junction Diodes

There are many types of diodes depending upon many factors such as the frequency used, their working and construction, their apppcations etc. Let us go through few of them.

Junction diodes

The junction diodes are the normal PN junction diodes but differ in construction. There are three types of junction diodes, as shown in the following figure.

Rectifier Diode

These diodes are the normal PN junction diodes, which allow current to flow through them in only one direction and stop in the other direction. These diodes are used in rectifier circuits to convert alternating current into direct current.

In the above figure, we can see the same rectifier diodes with a metal projection. This is added to the diode to minimize the heat distribution which might affect the diode sometimes. Such a metal projection is called as Heat sink. These help in the improvement of the diode performance and the diodes will be able to withstand high powers, without getting affected.

There are circuits such as Half wave rectifier and Full wave rectifier circuits which use these diodes. These circuits are discussed in ELECTRONIC CIRCUITS tutorial. These rectifier circuits are used in Power supply sections of many circuits where alternating input current has to be converted into direct current for that circuit apppcations.

Zener Diode

This is a special kind of diode which permits current flow not only in forward direction, but also in reverse direction. A normal diode, when operated in reverse bias, gets damaged if the reverse current above a certain value is passed through it. This “certain value” is called as the Breakdown voltage.

The breakdown voltage of a Zener diode is very low. But this diode allows the reverse current to pass through it, once this breakdown voltage is exceeded. That breakdown voltage is called as Zener Voltage. Hence there is a controlled breakdown which does not damage the diode when a reverse current above the Zener voltage passes through a Zener diode.

A Zener diode in its reverse bias, exhibits a controlled breakdown voltage and it allows the current flow to keep the value of voltage across that Zener diode close to the Zener breakdown voltage value. This value of Zener breakdown voltage makes any Zener diode to be chosen for certain apppcations.

Avalanche diode is another diode which has the similar characteristics of Zener diode. The avalanche breakdown takes place across the entire PN junction, when the voltage drop is constant and is independent of current. This avalanche diode is used for photodetection.

V-I Characteristics of a Zener diode

The V-I Characteristics of a Zener diode are common for any diode when operated in forward bias. But the reverse bias operation of a Zener diode makes it very important to consider. Let us have a look at the graph.

The point where the bent is shown in the reverse bias operation, is the Zener breakdown voltage, after which the diode allows high reverse currents through it. This Zener voltage is indicated by V_Z. This incredible quapty of Zener diode made it the most repable one and have got many apppcations too.

Apppcations of Zener diode

This diode has many apppcations such as −

It is mostly used as a Voltage Regulator.

Provides fixed reference voltage in transistor biasing circuits.

For peak cppping or pmiting in wave shaping circuits.

As a Surge protector in many circuits.

For meter protection against damage from accidental apppcations.

Switching Diode

This is a normal single PN junction diode which is especially designed for switching purposes. This diode can exhibit two states of high and low resistance clearly which can be used alternatively.

The junction capacitance of this diode is made very low so as to minimize other effects. The switching speed is made quite high. When the diode has high resistance it works as an open switch and it acts as a closed switch during low resistance. This transition occurs at a faster rate in switching diode, than in any ordinary one.

Apppcations of switching diode

These have many apppcations such as −

Used in high-speed rectifying circuits

Used in ring modulators

Used in radio frequency receivers

Used as reverse polarity protectors

Used for both General purpose and high speed switching apppcations