How Does Diode Work In Circuit

Diodes are ubiquitous components that can be found in almost any electronic circuit. They are used to control the flow of electrical current, allow current to flow in one direction only, and protect circuits from excessive voltage. But how exactly do diodes work?

It all starts with the basics of electricity. All electricity is made up of positive and negative charges, but they behave differently in a circuit. Positive charges flow from a higher voltage potential to a lower voltage potential. Negative charges, however, flow in the opposite direction, from lower voltage to higher voltage. This is where the diode comes in.

A diode is a semiconductor device with two terminals, an anode (positive) and a cathode (negative). Its job is to create a one-way gate for electrical current, blocking the flow of electrons in the reverse direction. To put it simply, diodes let positive charges pass from the anode to the cathode, but prevent any negative charges from travelling in the opposite direction.

The fundamental principle behind this process is known as ‘forward bias’. When voltage is applied across the two terminals, the anode becomes more positively charged than the cathode. This creates an electric field between the two terminals which forces the electrons to flow in one direction only – from the anode to the cathode.

Diodes aren’t just used to control the flow of electricity. They can also be used to protect circuits from high voltages. When the voltage across the diode reaches its maximum ‘reverse breakdown voltage’, the diode stops conducting current, thus providing protection from excessive current and voltage.

In summary, the primary purpose of diodes is to allow current to flow in one direction only, while preventing any backflow in the opposite direction. Diodes are an important part of any electronic circuit, and understanding how they work is essential for anyone interested in designing and building circuits.

A Complete Guide To Diodes Circuit Basics