Diodes
Diodes are passive electrical components that conduct electrical current only in one direction. They are the simplest semiconductor devices, and are used in the majority of electronic devices as protection element.
As said, the diode may be the easiest kind of semiconductor device. Semiconductor-material can change the capability to conduct electrical current. They are constructed from a bad conductor which has had conducting particles put into it. This adding particles is called doping.
A semiconductor with extra electrons is known as N-type, with extra holes is called a P-type. In the grid of atoms, electrons can move from one place to another place by jumping from hole to hole.
A diode is made of 2 layers; one layer of P-type material that is glued against a layer of N-type material. The consequence is that electrons can pass only in one direction. If the potential difference is in the wrong direction, a depletion zone is developed across the PN-junction. In the other direction, charge can flow.
As said, the diode may be the easiest kind of semiconductor device. Semiconductor-material can change the capability to conduct electrical current. They are constructed from a bad conductor which has had conducting particles put into it. This adding particles is called doping.
A semiconductor with extra electrons is known as N-type, with extra holes is called a P-type. In the grid of atoms, electrons can move from one place to another place by jumping from hole to hole.
A diode is made of 2 layers; one layer of P-type material that is glued against a layer of N-type material. The consequence is that electrons can pass only in one direction. If the potential difference is in the wrong direction, a depletion zone is developed across the PN-junction. In the other direction, charge can flow.
An example of an application is to protect electronic devices from damage by placing batteries in the wrong direction. The diode makes sure that current flows only in the direction that is designed for.
Sources:
http://www.ieeeghn.org/wiki/index.php/Diodeedit.
Sources:
http://www.ieeeghn.org/wiki/index.php/Diodeedit.