Diode Color ID Chart

Standard color code, but not all makers adhere to these standards

Suffix
Color
Letter
Black 0 -
Brown 1 A
Red 2 B
Orange 3 C
Yellow 4 D
Green 5 E
Blue 6 F
Violet 7 G
Gray 8 H
White 9 J
Silver - -
Gold -
None - -

Examples (Using Diodes in chart above)

Top Diode = 1N64E
Middle Diode = 1N452G
Bottom Diode = 1N4762

Zener Diode Tester / Meter

As time progresses, electronic components are improving as well.
in their quality as well as in their packaging, but this does not happen in zener diodes,
which are almost impossible to identify due to their lack of encapsulation
registrations. To address that lack, we present this practical tool for
taller that will allow us to know the value of a diode and, at the same time, if it is
working correctly.

The circuit consists of two sections. The first is responsible for oscillating over the
low voltage winding of a power transformer. In its winding
The 220v presents a voltage according to the adjustment of the oscillator, made by
the 10K potentiometer. Rectified and filtered, the resulting voltage is limited
in current and applied to the zener, which will cut off at the voltage level for the
which is manufactured. With a DC voltmeter we will be able to know, then,
the value of that tension.

Usage instructions:

[Link] the zener to measure at the test terminals

[Link] the potentiometer to its minimum range (set it to 10K)
[Link] on the instrument (in case it is a tester)
4. Turn on the zener tester
[Link] turning the potentiometer
6. The tension in the instrument will gradually increase.
[Link] the peak stops will be the working voltage of the diode

Due to its simplicity, this circuit can be assembled on a breadboard.

connections or on a universal board without any problems. If someone decides
design a printed circuit and send it to us, thank you very much in advance.

Measuring Diodes and Transistors

Afterlearn to weldand to dominate thecolor code of
resistancesyou must know how to measurediodesand transistors. If you want to repair
aelectronic equipmentyou need to master these three techniques at the
perfection. The first two have already been widely explained and you
we are noting the links; now we go for the last one to complete the
trilogy.

• Measuring diodes and transistors is a very simple task. But

knowing how to do it is quite another thing that requires certain
care and special attention that we will try to convey to you
in this note. To carry out the work you must have a
multimeter, which can be digital or analog. Although the first
the mentioned model is easier to use and read, you
we recommend that for this task you use an analog one,
common needle, and with possibilities of measuring resistances X 10,000
Ohms or higher values. But since you probably have one.
digital, we will begin the explanation using one of them.

Symbolism and parts that

they make up a Diode

Let's review the theory of the diode

Adiodeit is the result of the union between two semiconductors
that, according to their construction characteristics, are called
materials N and P. The N materials are characterized by having,
within the silicon that forms it, impurities that addelectrons
free, while those of type P have impurities that lack
electrons concerning silicon, that is, there are plenty of "holes" or
"lagunas" formed by the missing ofelectronsUnited
appropriately in a physical manner, they form an N-P junction or joint.
leaving two well-defined sectors on either side of the construction
defined that, in practice, they are known as Cathode and Anode,
respectively. During manufacturing, and at the moment of joining
the materials among themselves, a phenomenon of invasion occurs
electronics in the adjacent material and lacking this element.

This movement occurs up to a point where the joint

it acquires a width that can be considered electrically
"neutral" since the electrons occupied the empty space of the
gaps. That strip transformed into a homogeneous semiconductor
and stabilized. So, in order to cross that sector, a
electronmust move forcefully to the other side to cover
a hole, since a semiconductor is not a conductor, it is
semiconductor. That force is the junction stress of thediode, that
varies from one model to another (depending on the atomic structure
of the materials that make it up.

We can also add that if we pass current through it

In a sense, the device will allow it, but if we try to do it.
inverted, it will behave like an open switch. Let's see it in
practical images.

• MeasurementofaDiode
directlypolarized(conducts)

• MeasurementofaDiode
reversebiased(doesnotconduct)

In this way, we will obtain the measurements of a diode in

correct operating condition. In a sense, the multimeter
it indicates the potential that the N-P junction possesses of the diodeand in the
reverse sense (observe the color of the clips), the conduction is
interrupts indicating that the reading is out of range. The best
recommendation that we can give you at the time of measuring
Any component, whether semiconductor or not, is to disconnect from
less one of its terminals from the site where it is located
mountedsoldierIf you do not disconnect one of the terminals of the
diodeyou can obtain confusing measurements that you may
induce to act incorrectly. For example: if you have in a
circuit a onediodeconnected with aresistancein parallel
(depending on the value of the mentioned resistance) you can
to believe that the diode is faulty when in reality it is the
resistancethe one that provides guidance in both directions.
Always remember these two fundamental premises: disconnect
one of the terminals of thediodeand measure it in both directions, it is
say, reversing the leads of the multimeter.

When working with a needle multimeter, the situation improves in

the aspect of measurement security, especially when
an N-P junction is measured in the reverse direction, that is, in the direction
in which it does not present conduction. The possibility that appears here is
the ability to increase the resistance measurement scale. Of
In this way, we will be able to measure small leaks.
imperceptible to the digital multimeter.
 A classic analog multimeter

Why doesn't the digital multimeter allow measuring leaks?

mentioned?
Very simple. Because it does not apply enough voltage to the circuit.
essay. The tensions used to make the measurements by
part of a digital multimeter are lower. A measurement
carried out on a scale of X 10K is sufficient and correct for
achieve a good 'reverse measurement' at an N-P junction or
vice versa. A simple example to test this is that with a
needle instrument, a simple LED is enough to turn on, while
that with a digital one does not shine with the same intensity.

And with the transistors?

We must first define and understand the construction and structure
física de un transistor para saber bien lo que vamos a medir. Como
Everyone knows or has heard or read about 'bipolar' transistors.
they are concentrated in two large groups: the N-P-N and the P-N-P,
its symbolism is also very well known and seen everywhere
that speaks of electronic circuits.

Basic bipolar transistors

We are not going to explain in this article how a current flows.

within each type of transistor nor its principle of
functioning. Yes, we are going to give you key data so that you learn
to measure them correctly. To start, we select a type
from the random transistor (the NPN). You can see in the following drawing
what has been obtained is very similar to the structure before
we knew about the diode. We added to the pre-existing N-P junction
a new semiconductor block (type N), and the resulting set
it transforms into a three-terminal connection device and
two types of silicon.
 Blocks that make up an NPN transistor

If we had chosen the P type material for the ends

(lacking electrons, with an excess of holes) and for the block
central one of type N (excess of electrons), we would have been left with
a P-N-P transistor.

Important clarification: The drawing shown has nothing to

see with the physical reality of a transistor. We have drawn it like this
so that you can appreciate the parts that make it up and that
you can find out what they are called.

If you observe the drawing, you will see two red lines that represent the
two joints that have formed on both sides of the terminal
called BASE by the union of materials N and P,
respectively. If you associate this physical peculiarity with the
diodes, with their N and P junctions, what is shown is equivalent to this:
 Armed equivalence with simple diodes

So, you can realize that everything comes down to measuring two.
diodes. Something you already knew how to do! If you apply the same
reasoning, now you will be able to discover that an NPN transistor
it is equivalent to two diodes connected in opposition with their anodes
united.

Important clarification: The analogies we indicate between the

the physical composition of a transistor and common diodes is
example way to make it easy for you to analyze what
you will measure. It does not mean that if you take two diodes and connect them
faced will work like a transistor. NO. It is for that
have an idea of how to measure a common bipolar transistor type
PNP or NPN is no hidden science; it's just like measuring.
two diodes facing each other.

• Base-CollectorMeasurementinPolarization
direct

• Base-EmiterMeasurementinPolarization
direct
 • Collector-EmiterMeasurement

If you look at the image gallery above, you will check

that the terminal called BASE is the one that is located at the
left of the encapsulation. In the center, is the COLLECTOR
to the right, the EMITTER. As a result, we have the
multimeter with its selector switch set in its position for
measureDIODE; in that multimeter we read that: BASE - EMITTER
conductor, BASE - COLLECTOR conductor, and COLLECTOR - EMITTER
logically it does not lead. Why do we say logically? Because
there we are not measuring a joint directly but rather to the
At the moment of taking the measurement, it is necessary to cross joints.
according to the graph seen earlier. One of them would indeed be polarized in
"direct", but the other one is not; this makes the measurement be
equivalent to an open circuit.
So, you can extract from the analysis done that among COLLECTOR
and the EMITTER will never have driving in either direction and in
none of the types of bipolar transistors NPN or PNP that
let's try to measure and control.

Important clarification: There are not just two types of transistors.

bipolars. We chose the most for the explanation
elementary ones that are the NPN and the PNP. With time and practice
you will discover an endless amount of variants of
N and P combinations that form transistors with characteristics
special and that also add, within the encapsulation,
diodes, resistors, and even other transistors created in the
very specific design environments for applications as well
very specific.

The analog multimeter makes its comeback.

In the same way that we left you a gallery of images with the
digital multimeter, now you will see specifics of its use
analog instrument.
 • Base-EmitterMeasurementinBiasing
direct

• Base-EmiterMeasurementinPolarization
inverse

• Base-EmitterMeasurementinPolarization
inversebyhighresistance

In the three images, we see the possibilities that it presents to us.

a BASE - EMITTER measurement. In the first one, on the left,
we have a measurement in direct polarization which, as
we see, it conducts normally as if it were a diode. In the
central photograph, we have inverted the measuring tips, and the
the joint has polarized in reverse and has stopped conducting. And in
the last image, on the right, shows you the situation
truly important of the note, which allows us the
needle instrument. It is very obvious to notice that the joint
The examined item is excellent since both in R X 1 and in R X 10K
the needle does not move at all. There are no current leaks to
through the joints.

Important clarification: When taking measurements at high

resistance, do not touch the terminals of the instrument as the
it will indicate your body's own resistance through your
hands, delivering you erroneous measurements.

You must get used to being able to easily determine the

identification of the terminals of a transistor. That is, what is
the BASE, what is the ISSUER and what is the COLLECTOR. For
make life easier for everyone, manufacturers deliver the famous
data sheets or datasheets that provide you with the information
complete the encapsulation and the electrical characteristics more
important aspects of the transistor.
[Link] is a very comprehensive site in Spanish
that allows you to easily access the data sheets of millions
of transistors. You just need to discover the characteristic or
correct nomenclature of the BJT (Bipolar Junction Transistor) that
you don't know and search for it. Once you have the data in your hand,
It remains the measurement and nothing more. Over time and years, you...
you usually recognize the encapsulated by the function, the
nomenclature, the package (encapsulated), and any characteristic
physics that indicates where the terminals are. Lastly,
when you need to replace a diode or a transistor since it has
faulty result or is damaged, try doing it with another one from the
same nomenclature to maintain proper functioning
of the equipment you are repairing.

NeoTeo Tips
1 - Disconnect one of the terminals of the diode before measuring it.
If it is a transistor, it is recommended to disconnect two terminals:
BASEISSUER.
3 - Use the diode position when measuring with a digital multimeter.
4 - If you use a needle instrument, measure in R X 1.
5 - If you have doubts when measuring a joint in reverse polarization,
use an analog instrument enR X 10K.
6 - Just replace one semiconductor with another of the same
characteristics.