There are different types of diodes that are available in the market for different uses such as in designing electronics, for rectifying waveforms, etc. Following is the list of different types of diodes:
- PN junction diode
- LED
- PIN diode
- Step recovery diode
- Laser diode
- Photodiode
- Schottky diode
- Zener diode
- Varactor diode
- Tunnel diode
Basics of PIN diode
A PIN diode is one of the types of diode which is a photodetector which is used for converting an optical signal into an electrical signal. There are three regions and they are:
- P-region
- I-region
- N-region
PIN diode gets its name from these three regions.
PIN diodes find applications in high voltage rectifier, as a photodetector for converting light into current, and as an ideal radio frequency switch.
Basics of Schottky diode
Schottky diode is also known as a hot carrier diode which has a very fast switching action. The voltage drop range for the Schottky diode is between 0.15 to 0.45 volts. Schottky diode is obtained from the formation between a semiconductor and a metal. The n-type semiconductor acts as a cathode while the metal side acts as an anode.
Schottky diode finds applications in voltage clamping, used as rectifiers in power supplies.
Basics of Zener diode
A Zener diode is a silicon semiconductor which allows current to flow either in forward or reverse direction. Zener diode is designed in such a way where the diode can work in the reverse-bias region without breaking down.
Zener diode finds application as a voltage regulator, as overvoltage protection, and in clipping circuits.
Basics of PN junction diode
A PN junction diode is formed when a p-type semiconductor is fused with an n-type semiconductor such that a potential voltage barrier is created. There are three possible biasing that can take place in the PN junction diode and they are:
- Zero bias: There is no application of external voltage potential.
- Forward bias: When the positive of voltage potential is connected to the p-type material and negative is connected to the n-type material.
- Reverse bias: When the negative of the voltage potential is connected to the p-type material and positive is connected to the n-type material.
Basics of LED
LED stands for Light Emitting Diode which is a semiconductor and also a source of light. When the electrons combine with the electron holes, the light is produced in the form of photons. The colors of this light are based on the energy that is released by the electrons when they cross the bandgap in the semiconductor.
The first LED was studied emitting low-intensity infrared light and emitted red color. Modern LEDs are available in infrared, visible, and ultraviolet wavelengths.
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