Diode examples
Light Emitting Diode (LED)
When an electric current between the electrodes passes through this diode, light is
produced. In other words, light is generated when a sufficient amount of forwarding
current passes through it. In many diodes, this light generated is not visible as they are
frequency levels that do not allow visibility. LEDs are available in different colours.
There are tricolour LEDs that can emit three colours at a time. Light colour depends
on the energy gap of the semiconductor used.
Laser Diode
It is a different type of diode as it produces coherent light. It is highly used in CD
drives, DVDs and laser devices. These are costly when compared to LEDs and are
cheaper when compared to other laser generators. Limited life is the only drawback of
these diodes.
Avalanche Diode
This diode belongs to a reverse bias type and operates using the avalanche effect.
When voltage drop is constant and is independent of current, the breakdown of
avalanche takes place. They exhibit high levels of sensitivity and hence are used for
photo detection.
Zener Diode
It is the most useful type of diode as it can provide a stable reference voltage. These
are operated in reverse bias and break down on the arrival of a certain voltage. If
current passing through the resistor is limited, a stable voltage is generated. Zener
diodes are widely used in power supplies to provide a reference voltage.
Schottky Diode
It has a lower forward voltage than other silicon PN junction diodes. The drop will be
seen where there is low current and at that stage, voltage ranges between 0.15 and 0.4
volts. These are constructed differently in order to obtain that performance. Schottky
diodes are highly used in rectifier applications.
Photodiode
A photo-diode can identify even a small amount of current flow resulting from the
light. These are very helpful in the detection of the light. This is a reverse bias diode
and used in solar cells and photometers. They are even used to generate electricity.
P-N Junction Diode
The P-N junction diode is also known as rectifier diodes. These diodes are used for
the rectification process and are made up of semiconductor material. P-N junction
diode includes two layers of semiconductors. One layer of the semiconductor material
is doped with P-type material and the other layer with N-type material. The
combination of these both P and N-type layers form a junction known as the P-N
junction. Hence, the name P-N junction diode.
P-N junction diode allows the current to flow in the forward direction and blocks the
flow of current in the reverse direction.