Information about Diodes

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About Diodes

Diodes are electronic components that conduct current in only one direction. In function, they are similar to one-way valves. Diodes are manufactured using semiconductor materials such as silicon, germanium or selenium and are used as voltage regulators, signal rectifiers, oscillators and signal modulators / demodulators. Semiconductor diodes consist of a PN junction having two terminals, an anode (+) and a cathode (-). Current flows from the anode to the cathode within the diode. Diodes can be used as voltage regulators, tuning devices in RF tuned circuits, frequency multiplying devices in RF circuits, mixers in RF circuits, switching applications, or can be used to make logic decisions in digital circuits.

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Current Limiting Diodes

Current limiting diodes (CLD) regulate current over a wide voltage range. There are several types of current limiting diodes (CLD). Examples include a current regulator diode, constant current diode, and current limit diodes.

General Purpose Diodes

General-purpose diodes are electric components that conduct electric current in only one direction, functioning similarly to a one-way valve.

GUNN and IMPATT Diodes

Gunn diodes or transfer electron devices (TED) exhibit a negative resistance region. They are used in high-frequency applications, often for building RF oscillators. Impact ionization avalanche transit-time (IMPATT) diodes are designed to operate at very high frequency and power. They are used as elements in RF and microwave devices.

Rectifier Diodes

Rectifier diodes are designed for use in rectification circuits. Rectifiers are used to convert AC to DC.

Schottky Diodes

Schottky diodes in their simplest form consist of a metal layer that contacts a semiconductor element. The metal / semiconductor junctions exhibit rectifying behavior (i.e., the current passes through the structure more readily with one polarity than the other).

Step Recovery Diodes

Step recovery diodes produce an abrupt turn-off (step) time by allowing a very fast release of stored charge when switching from forward to reverse bias, and from reverse to forward bias.

Zener Diodes

Zener diodes are PN junction devices that are designed to operate in the reverse-breakdown region.

Engineering Web: Diodes - Machine Design

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