Tuesday 24 September 2013

Various Types Of Diodes, their Applications, Specifications and Parameters Used In Electronic Industry

Overview

 The design of electronic circuits varies from one gadget to another based on its application and its uses in the electronic industry. In order to accomplish the desired end user result, different semiconductor types of diodes are used to perform various functions owing to the properties existing in these diodes. Each one has different characteristics to match different categories of diodes manufactured in the industry. One of the primary applications that you can find is to correct the waveforms. It can be used efficiently within radio detectors or within power supplies. On the other hand, diodes used for signal communications can also be utilized for other purposes like circuits where you require one way effect of communication. The most significant types of diodes that you can find nowadays include laser diodes, photo diodes, and light emitting diodes. It is essential to sum-up the various types of diodes. Since a few of these categories may be related to one another, the different definitions may be helpful to offer an overview of various types of diodes available.

 Laser Diode:

 The laser diode varies from the normal light emitting diode as it generates coherent light. From Digital Video Displays and Compact Discs drives to laser light pointers, the laser types of diodes are prominently used for several presentations. Even though laser diodes, that have a short life, are less expensive in comparison to laser generator, they are considered to be costlier than Laser Emitting Diodes.


 Light Emitting Diodes (LED):

 This type of diode is considered to be very popular. Semiconductor components are used by these diodes and have the advantage of producing various colours, though red was the original colour. New LED developments are occurring, which are transforming the methods involving displays that can be manufactured and utilized.


 Photodiode:

 The detection of light is through photodiode. The main application of the diodes is that it can work on reverse bias conditions. Even the minimum flow of current that generates from the light can be seen without any difficulty. Electricity can also be generated through the applications of photodiodes.
 Other types of diodes that are found are Zener diode, Varactor diode, Tunnel diode, Step recovery diode, Schottky diodes, PN Junction and PIN diode.


 Specifications And Parameters Of Diodes

 As per the material specifications of diodes, the semiconductor material utilized in the category of PN junction diode is of prime importance. This is due to the fact that the material used influences the main properties and characteristics of diode. The semiconductor material is made from silicon, which is prominently used owing to its high performance level and low cost. Germanium is the other alternative material used in diodes. The selection of semiconductor material is vital since it controls the voltage meant for the diode. It can be approximately 0.6 volts when silicon is used, while it can be 0.3 volts when germanium is utilized.

 The other parameters on which diodes function relate to Junction capacitance, Leakage current, Maximum forward current, Peak Inverse Voltage, and Forward voltage drop.

 Conclusion:

 In all the fields of electronics industry, semiconductor diodes are applied extensively. This can be seen from the design of electronics to production and repair and is also regarded to be extremely versatile. Besides, there are several types of diodes provided for applications of microwave technology.