3.3 Diodes

• explain the formation and biasing process of a p-n junction diode
• describe the characteristics of a p-n junction diode
• explain the applications of p-n junction diodes in day-to-day life
• identify types of diodes used in electronics
• describe application of p-n junction diode in rectification
• appreciate the application of diodes in daily lives

“How have p-n junction diodes promoted the development of electronics?”

The titles are open to everyone. Reading a lesson needs an account — sign in or create one.

1. Semiconductors
   40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
   Describe semiconductors and how doping produces n-type and p-type materials.
2. Formation of the p-n junction
   40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
   Explain how a p-n junction forms and the depletion layer.
3. Forward biasing a diode
   40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
   Explain what happens when a diode is forward biased.
4. Reverse biasing a diode
   40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
   Explain what happens when a diode is reverse biased.
5. Forward I-V characteristics
   40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
   Describe the current-voltage characteristic of a diode in forward bias.
6. Reverse I-V characteristics
   40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
   Describe the current-voltage characteristic of a diode in reverse bias.
7. The diode as a one-way valve
   40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
   Explain why a diode acts as a one-way valve for current.
8. Types of diodes
   40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
   Identify the main types of diodes used in electronics.
9. The Zener diode and voltage regulation
   40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
   Describe the Zener diode and its use in voltage regulation.
10. The light-emitting diode
    40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
    Describe the LED and its applications.
11. The photodiode
    40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
    Describe the photodiode and its applications.
12. Half-wave rectification
    40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
    Describe half-wave rectification with a single diode.
13. Full-wave rectification
    40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
    Describe full-wave rectification using two or four diodes.
14. Smoothing the rectified output
    40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
    Explain how a capacitor smooths the output of a rectifier.
15. Diodes in power supplies
    40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
    Describe how diodes are used in power supplies.
16. Diodes in signal and protection circuits
    40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
    Describe other applications of diodes in electronics.
17. Using diodes safely
    40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
    Describe safety and good practice when using diodes.
18. Review of diodes
    40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
    Review the p-n junction, biasing, characteristics, rectification and diode applications.