Information about Rectifier Diodes

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About Rectifier Diodes

Rectifier diodes are two-terminal electronic components that allow current to flow in only one direction, from an anode (+) to a cathode (-), and that convert AC to DC. These simple semiconductors are PN junctions with a positive or P-region with positive ions and a negative or N-region with negative electrons. Applying voltage to the PN junction causes current to flow in only one direction as electrons from the N-region fill “holes” in the P-region. Typically, rectifier diodes are made of semiconductor materials such as silicon, germanium or selenium. Half-wave rectifier diodes deliver DC output during alternate half-waves of AC input. Full-wave rectifier diodes produce a unidirectional DC current by rectifying both the positive and negative half-cycles of the AC input. Several rectifier configurations are available, including bridge, center-tap, Schottky, and fast recovery.

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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.

Power Diodes

Power diodes are used mainly in high-power applications. They are built with large P-N junctions in order to pass large amounts of current and dissipate large amounts of heat.

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: Rectifier Diodes - Machine Design

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Dual, High-Voltage Schottky Rectifier \| Machine Design Dual, High-Voltage Schottky Rectifier January 26, 2006
Efficient AC \| Machine Design These inverters (as well as linear and switch-mode power supplies) contain a bridge rectifier/capacitor frontend.
Most Viewed \| Machine Design Dual, High-Voltage Schottky Rectifier The first Schottky barrier rectifiers based on Trench MOS technology can be used in

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