
314 Introduction to Electrical Power and Power Electronics
12.1 DIODE
A diode is often used to rectify (convert) ac into dc and hence is also known as
the rectier. Although not a controllable switching device, the diode is the most
basic semiconducting device that forms the building block for other devices. Made
of p- and n-type semiconductors forming a p–n junction, it conducts current from P
(anode) to N (cathode) terminals but not in the reverse direction. Figure 12.6 depicts
the circuit symbol and the v–i characteristics of the ideal and practical diodes. It
shows that the voltage drop in the ideal diode conducting current in the forward ...