What is a Diode?
semi-conductor device that allows current to flow in only one direction
Define Semi-conductor.
a material with electrical characteristics of both a conductor and an insulator
What is Doping in the context of semi-conductors?
process of adding impurities to semi-conductor material to allow for electron flow
What characterizes N-type material?
semi-conductor material created with an excess of electrons
What is P-type material?
semi-conductor material created with a deficiency of electrons
Define Depletion Region.
thin neutral area formed at the junction of P & N-type materials
What is Forward bias?
voltage applied with polarity that allows a diode to act as a conductor
Define Reverse bias.
voltage applied with opposite polarity that allows a diode to act as an insulator
What is a Characteristic curve?
curve on a graph that shows the relationship between voltage, current and polarity for an electrical device
What is Forward break-over voltage?
amount of forward bias voltage needed for a diode to act as a conductor
Define Peak Inverse Voltage (PIV).
amount of reverse bias voltage a diode can withstand before breaking down
What is Forward operating current?
current range in which a diode can safely operate
What does Avalanche current refer to?
free flow of electrons through a diode once it breaks down
What are the two most common semi-conductors?
Silicon and Germanium
What do the X- and Y-axis represent in a characteristic curve graph?
X is forward and reverse voltage
Y is forward and reverse current
List three applications of diodes
- Protection against overvoltage
- Rectification (AC to DC)
- Block current from flowing where not wanted
What happens to a diode after it reaches PIV?
Device is destroyed
What will your meter read when testing a shorted diode?
low voltage in both directions
What will your meter read when testing an open diode
OL in both directions
When does a zener diode act as a conductor?
when diode is reverse biased and reaches the reverse break-over voltage
