Technical-Department

TYPES OF DIODE
There are several different types of diode in electronics world with diverse functionality. Such as:
Rectifier diode
Shottky diode
Light emitting diode (LED).
Photodiode
Laser diode
Zener diode
Schokley diode
Gunn diode
Pin diode
Point contact diode
Tunnel diode
Varactor diode etc.
We would however be discussing the first 6 of these diodes as they are common.
RECTIFIER DIODE.
They are the type of diode use in converting an Alternating current to Direct current. They generally possessed a high forward voltage drop (0.7v), high current handling capacity (usually from 1 amp upwards) and a high reverse biased voltage. Because of these, they are usually referred to as a power diode. They are generally tough and in most cases big in size. Examples of such diode are the famous IN4007, MIC6A10, IN5408 etc.
SHOTTKY DIODE.
Named after a German physicist walter H.schottky. One of the advantage of a schottky diode is its low forward voltage drop (in the range of 0.3v) and fast switching speed. This speed ensures fast reverse recovery time. Its disadvantage is that it possessed a low reverse breakdown voltage and high reverse leakage current.
LIGHT EMITTING DIODE (LED).
This type of diode is also very common. I can assure that every electronic hobbyist has experimented with this. It is the type of diode that emits (gives off) light when in forward biased condition. They convert electrical energy into light energy. Presently, due to their low power consumption, small size and long lasting lifespan when operated correctly, they find their way to be used in presently day LED energy saving bulb and are fast dominating the market. They are used also as a visual indicator light in circuits

PHOTO DIODES.
This type of diode functions in opposite to that of the LED. They convert light energy into electrical energy. Photodiode has a special opening where light enters to cause electron flow. In its simplest application, photodiodes are used as light sensors/detectors.
LASER DIODE
Just like LED, this diode produces a laser beam when operated in its forward condition. They consists of a PIN junction where holes and electrons combined together in the intrinsic region to generate this laser beam. They are used in optical communication, laser printers, CD-readers, laser pointers e.t.c

ZENER DIODE
This is a very interesting type of diode which can operate both in its forward and reverse biased mode. When in forward mode, it functions like a normal diode. When in reverse biased mode, it blocks electron flow just like every other diode. But an interesting thing happens along the line. As the reverse biased voltage tends to increase more and more, a time will reach when this diode will no more contain this seemingly rising voltage, it will break down and start conducting. As it starts conducting (in this reverse biased mode) another interesting deal occurs, it will tend to maintain (clip) this reverse voltage to that voltage point where it breaks down. Now here is another wonder of it. Unlike other diodes that got permanently damaged when they break down in reverse mode (avalanche), zener bounces back (still work) and maintain its original function when this reverse biased condition is eliminated (although that doesn’t mean it should work forever, it has a limit it can withstand in this reverse condition too).
This ability of a zener diode to maintain a constant voltage level when it breaks down in reverse mode is why it can be used as a voltage regulator (though it has some limitations too). The point where this zener breaks down in reverse mode is known as “zener voltage” or zener break down voltage.
In the course of this diode tutorials, we would still come to design a different type of simple zener diode circuit. Then, you would come to understand better the use of this device.
I hope you got value today!
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