Chapter Overview

This chapter introduces the most basic semiconductor device, the diode. Diodes are very important in electronic circuits. Everyone working in electronics must be familiar with them. Your study of diodes will enable you to predict when they will be on and when they will be off. You will be able to read their characteristic curves and identify their symbols and their terminals. This chapter also introduces several important types of diodes and some of the many applications for them.

This chapter will help you to:

1. Predict the conductivity of diodes under the conditions of forward and reverse bias.

2. Interpret volt-ampere characteristic curves for diodes.

3. Identify the cathode and anode leads of some diodes by visual inspection.

4. Identify the cathode and anode leads of diodes by ohmmeter testing.

5. Identify diode schematic symbols.

6. List several diode types and applications.

Study Outline

3-1 The PN Junction

3-2 Characteristic Curves of Diodes

3-3 Diode Lead Identification

3-4 Diode Types and Applications