Diode question - URGENT please help

[helpmeplease]

Hey guys,

I've been asked to describe the operation and compare the characteristics of the junction diode.

I've explained what the operation of a diode is, and what it does, but I have no idea what I'm supposed to do for the second part where I have to compare the characteristics?

Does this mean compare the characteristics of different diodes, or is it something related to voltage current? Any ideas?

The next question is about explaining the forward and reverse bias characteristic graphs of the junction diode, therefore I don't think I'm supposed to mention anything regarding the forward/reverse in the question I'm stuck on, although I could be mistaken.

A response asap would greatly be appreciated...

 

[(*steve*)]

Homework?

Look at a datasheet for a diode. Preferanbly look at datasheets for several different types of diodes. Look at the graphs especially. How to they change for different diodes? What general principles apply to all (or most) diodes?

To compare the characteristics of something you have to compare them with something else. What does your assignment say *exactly*?

If you are asked to talk about characteristics then you need to look at the general principles that apply to all junction diodes. If you are to compare 2 junction diodes then you need to look at what can vary between them.

 

[helpmeplease]

Homework?

Look at a datasheet for a diode. Preferanbly look at datasheets for several different types of diodes. Look at the graphs especially. How to they change for different diodes? What general principles apply to all (or most) diodes?

To compare the characteristics of something you have to compare them with something else. What does your assignment say *exactly*?

If you are asked to talk about characteristics then you need to look at the general principles that apply to all junction diodes. If you are to compare 2 junction diodes then you need to look at what can vary between them.

Hi Steve,

Thank you for getting back to me!!!

The assignment asks me to

Describe the operation & compare the characteristics of the junction diode.
Explain the forward & reverse bias characteristic graphs.
Obtain manufacturers data sheets & comment on them.

 

[(*steve*)]

I guess in that case, you need to compare the characteristics with the operation of an ideal diode.

And I'll move this to the homework section

 

[helpmeplease]

could you possibly give me an example? I'm still not sure I quite understand.

Also sorry for posting in the wrong section.

 

[(*steve*)]

OK, and this is only based on an assumption of what is required (I'd recommend you go and ask before going any further)...

An ideal diode is completely open circuit to a reverse voltage. A real diode may have some leakage current. And different real diodes may have different leakage currents. Even different examples of the same diode may exhibit different (although probably similar) leakage currents. You will find the specifications for a diode will list the leakage current at some reverse voltage and there is also likely to be a graph of leakage with applied voltage.

There are a plethora of other characteristics that you could likewise describe.

Why not have a go at one here and I'll tell you if the information is correct (I can't tell you if this is what your instructor wants however)

 

[Number]

could you possibly give me an example? I'm still not sure I quite understand.

Also sorry for posting in the wrong section.

Compare data from Zener Diodes, Silicon Diodes, Germanium Diodes, Rectifier Diodes (Although really they are the same), and so on and so forth. Hell, go on Amazon or something and just compare different products. Only the really important details of a component are in the product descriptions. This should allow you to compare many different diodes while still looking at roughly the same product info. Hope this helps.