Diodes

Diode Structure and Symbol

A diode is a semiconductor device.

Physical structure of a Diode

Schematic Symbol of a Diode

Forward Biasing a P-N Junction

When forward biased, the P-N junction will have a low resistance, therefore the circuit
current is high. In this case the P-N junction acts like a conductor and is equivalent to a
closed switch.

Reverse Biasing a P-N Junction

When reverse biased, the P-N junction will have an extremely high resistance, therefore
the circuit current is effectively zero. In this case the P-N junction acts like an insulator and
is equivalent to an open switch.

Diode Operation

Testing Diodes

Diode Voltage Drop

Examples

Diode Characteristic Curve

Diode Circuit Analysis: Basics

Loop equation for given circuit is:

V I D R VD

V and R may represent Thevenin

equivalent of a more complex 2terminal network.Objective of
diode circuit analysis is to find
quiescent operating point for
diode, consisting of dc current and
voltage that define diodes i-v
characteristic.

This is also called the load line for the

diode. Solution to this equation can be
found by:
Simplified analysis with ideal diode
model.
Simplified analysis using constant
voltage drop model.
Graphical analysis using load-line
method.

Analysis using Ideal Model for Diode

If diode is forward-biased, voltage across diode is zero.

If diode is reverse-biased, current through diode is zero.

Analysis using Ideal Model for Diode:

Example

Since source is forcing positive current

through diode assume diode is on.
ID

(10 0) V
1mA
10k

Q-point is(1 mA, 0V)

Since source is forcing current

backward through diode assume diode
is off.
Hence ID =0 , VD = -10
Q-point is (0, -10 V)

Analysis using Constant Voltage

Drop Model for Diode

If diode is forward-biased, voltage across diode Von.

If diode is reverse-biased, current through diode is zero.

Analysis using Constant Voltage

Drop Model for Diode: Example

Since 10V source is forcing

positive current through diode
assume diode is on.

(10 Von ) V
10k
(10 0.6) V

0.94 mA
10k
ID

Load-Line Analysis: Example

Problem: Find Q-point
Given data: V=10 V, R=10k.
Analysis: 10 I D 104 VD
To define the load line we use,
VD= 0 I D (10V / 10k) 1mA
VD= 5 V, ID =0.5 mA
These points and the resulting
load line are plotted.Q-point is
given by intersection of load line
and diode characteristic:
Q-point = (0.95 mA, 0.6 V)

Ideal Model: Exercise

In the circuits below, find I and V using the Ideal model.

(a)

(b)

Constant-Voltage-Drop Model: Exercise

In the circuits below, find I and V using the constant-voltage-drop
model.

(a)

(b)

Load-Line Analysis: Exercise

Find VD and ID in the circuit using the given diode characteristics
curve.

Two-Diode Circuit Analysis:

Example
Find the voltage and current for each diode.

Two-Diode Circuit Analysis

(contd.)

Class Exercise
Find the voltage and current for each diode.

Class Exercise
Find the voltage and current for each diode.

Class Exercise
Find the voltage and current for each diode.