3
Diode as Circuit Element
3.1 Introduction
The basic structure and circuit symbol representation of a p-n junction diode is shown in Fig. 3.1. The V-I characteristics of a diode are a plot of dc diode current I versus the external dc voltage applied across plate to cathode of the diode.
Figure 3.1 p-n junction representation
The entire V-I characteristic can be divided into two regions:
- Forward characteristic
- Reverse characteristic.
3.2 Forward Bias Characteristic
The p-n junction is a two-terminal unidirectional semiconductor device. It is polarity sensitive. The current flows through it offering negligible resistance for one type of polarity ...
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