PNdioder
PN diodes are electronic devices formed by joining p-type and n-type semiconductor regions to create a PN junction. They allow current to flow readily when forward-biased (p region connected to the positive side), while blocking current under reverse bias, except for a small leakage current or until breakdown occurs. The forward-conducting behavior is essential for rectification and signal processing, whereas the reverse-blocking property provides protection and isolation in circuits.
Construction and structure: A PN junction is created by diffusing dopants into silicon or by growing doped
Electrical characteristics: Forward current increases roughly exponentially with applied voltage, described by the diode equation I
Applications: PN diodes are used for rectification in power supplies, signal demodulation, clamping and limiting circuits,
Materials and variants: Silicon is the most common material, though germanium and other semiconductors have been