A diode allows electric current to flow in one direction and contains two electrodes acting as semiconductors. It can convert AC to DC and be used for rectification, switching, and producing signals such as light. LEDs are a type of diode that produce light when current passes through them.
In plain language, a diode is like a one-way valve that allows electric current to flow in one direction but generally doesn’t allow it to flow in the opposite direction. The direction of electric current in the diode can be reversed. However, even if it is, the flow will still be unidirectional.
A diode contains two electrodes which act in the same way as semiconductors. The positive type op is usually the anode and the negative type on is the cathode. In other words, the cathode is negatively charged relative to the anode. If the cathode is charged to the same or very similar voltage as the anode, current will not flow.
In electronics, a diode acts similarly to charge carriers. Diodes can also be compared to check valves or switches. If liquid or water instead of current were involved, it would essentially look like water flowing upstream or downstream. Put simply, a diode tends to allow flow from upstream to downstream but not vice versa.
To alter the direction of flow, the cathode must be charged to a higher voltage than the anode. This is known as voltage avalanche, but despite the name, it doesn’t always require a large number of volts to change direction. It can in fact be a difference of a few volts.
A diode can convert electric current from AC to DC or from alternating current to direct current. This is called rectification and rectifier diodes are most commonly used in low current power supplies. A switching diode is often used to turn a circuit on or off, and band switch diodes are used to switch high frequency band signals. A Zener diode is known as a constant voltage diode, as even though the supply voltage varies, the Zener voltage remains at a constant level. A Schottky barrier diode, when used for high speed switching rather than basic rectification, is used for things like UHF and other high frequency signals.
A diode can be used for various purposes including producing different signals such as an analog signal, frequencies such as microwave frequencies or light. Those that produce light are known as light emitting diodes or LEDs. This type of diode will produce light when current passes through it. LEDs are used for things like lighted elements in computer systems, clocks, displays on microwaves and electronics, solar lighting, and even some of the more modern designs in Christmas lights.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
