A diode is a two-terminal electrical device, that allows the transfer of current in only one direction.The diode is also known for their unidirectional current property, where the electric current is permitted to flow in one direction. Basically, a diode is used for rectifying waveforms, within radio detectors or within power supplies.They can also be used in various electrical and electronic circuits where ‘one-way’ result of the diode is required. Most of the diodes are made from semiconductors like Si (silicon), but sometimes, Ge (germanium) is also used.It is sometimes beneficial to summarize the different types of diodes are existing.
Different Types of Diodes
There are several types of diodes are available for use in electronics design, namely; a Backward diode, BARITT diode, Gunn Diode, Laser diode, Light emitting diodes, Photodiode, PIN diode, PN Junction, Schottky diodes, Step recovery diode, Tunnel diode, Varactor diode and a Zener diode.
Gunn Diode
Gunn diode is a PN junction diode, this sort of diode is a semiconductor device that has two terminals. Generally, it is used for producing microwave signals.
Backward Diode
This type of diode is also called the back diode, and it is not widely used.
BARITT Diode
The short term of this diode Barrier Injection Transit Time diode is BARITT diode. It is applicable in microwave applications
Laser Diode
The laser diode is not the similar as the ordinary LED (light emitting diode) because it generates coherent light. These diodes are extensively used in many applications like DVDs, CD drives and laser light pointers for PPTs.
Light Emitting Diode
The term LED stands for light emitting diode, is one of the most standard types of the diode. When the diode is connected in forwarding bias, then the current flows through the junction and generates the light.
Photodiode
The photodiode is used to detect light. It is found that when light strikes a PN-junction it can create electrons and holes.
Zener Diode
The Zener diode is used to provide a stable reference voltage. As a result, it is used in vast amounts. It works under reverse bias condition and found that when a particular voltage is reached it breaks down.
Schottky Diode
The Schottky diode has a lower forward voltage drop than ordinary Si PN-junction diodes. At low currents, the voltage drop may be between 0.15 & 0.4 volts as opposed to 0.6 volts for a Si diode.
