Practical Electronics/Diodes/Diode operation characteristics

Forward Bias
The rectifying action of semiconductor diode is due to the electrical effects that occur at the junction between the n-type semiconductor and p-type semiconductor, at a region known as p-n junction (gray areas in images shown below)

As seen in the images below: If the positive terminal of the power source is connected to the p-type semiconductor and the negative terminal of the power source is connected to the n-type semiconductor, the electron flows across the junction from n-type material to p-type material, and the holes flow in reverse. This will cause the junction area to become narrower allow easy movement of both holes and electrons. These phenomena are known as forward bias. The p-n junction will be narrower and will allow more electrons to fill into holes and the holes will move to capture electrons.

Reverse Bias
If the power source is installed in reverse, the positive charge in n-type and negative charge in p-type will oppose electron movement causing potential barrier. The p-n junction will widen, both electrons and holes will be moving away from the junction and causing no current that can flow across the junction. These phenomena are known as reverse bias. Hence, it acted more or less like a one-way valve for electricity flow.

IV curve
The graph shown is a current-voltage characteristic of p-n silicone diode.


 * [[Image:V-a characteristic diodes.svg|300px]]

From IV curve

Conducting voltage of diode
Conducting voltage of diode represents diode biasing voltage to conduct current. Conducting voltage of diode has a symbol $$v_d$$ Silicon (Si) diode is 0.7 V Germanium (Ge) diode is 0.3 V

Polarities & Biased Voltage
When Diode is connected with a voltage source in such that the polarities of the diode is in opposite with the polarities of the voltage source Diode is said to be Forward Biased and when voltage is greater than Forward biased voltage current will flow and increase exponentially with time in the direction of Pointing Arrow

When Diode is connected with a voltage source in such that the polarities of the diode is in the same with the polarities of the voltage source Diode is said to be Backward Biased Diode does not conduct current