How Do Diodes Work In An Electrical Circuit

A diode is a semiconductor device that allows current to flow in only one direction. It is made of a semiconductor material, such as silicon, that has been doped with impurities to create a p-n junction. The p-n junction is the boundary between the p-type and n-type semiconductor materials.

When a diode is forward biased, the positive terminal of the power supply is connected to the p-type semiconductor material and the negative terminal of the power supply is connected to the n-type semiconductor material. This causes electrons to flow from the n-type semiconductor material to the p-type semiconductor material.

When a diode is reverse biased, the positive terminal of the power supply is connected to the n-type semiconductor material and the negative terminal of the power supply is connected to the p-type semiconductor material. This causes the p-n junction to become reverse biased, which prevents electrons from flowing from the n-type semiconductor material to the p-type semiconductor material.

Diodes are used in a variety of electronic circuits, such as rectifiers, clippers, and amplifiers. Rectifiers are used to convert alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC). Clippers are used to limit the amplitude of an AC signal. Amplifiers are used to increase the amplitude of an AC signal.

Diodes are also used in light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which are used to produce light. LEDs are made of a semiconductor material that emits light when it is forward biased.

Diodes are an important part of electronic circuits. They are used in a variety of applications, from power supplies to light-emitting diodes. By understanding how diodes work, you can use them to create your own electronic circuits.

Lesson Explainer Diodes Nagwa