What is Diode?
If we connect a p-type material with a n-type material such that the crystal structure remains continuous at the boundary, a pn-junction is formed; which is known as semiconductor diode. Every semiconductor device has at least on pn-junction.
Above definition is given according
to structural properties. But according to characteristics, we may define diode or ideal
diode as a two terminal device which:
- Conducts with zero resistance when forward bias.
- Appears as an infinite resistance when reverse bias.
What is Real Diode?
A real diode may be
defined as a two terminal device which neither conducts with zero resistance
when forward biased nor appears as an infinite resistance when reverse biased.
Advantages of Diode:
- They are smaller, more rugged and have a longer life.
- They are simpler and inherently cheaper.
- They require no filament power. So they produce less heat than the equivalent vacuum-tubes.
Disadvantages of Diode:
- They are extremely heat sensitive.
- They can handle small current and low inverse voltage.
- They can handle small current and low inverse voltage.
- They can’t be an overload even for a short period of time.
- A slight overload can permanently damage the diode.