Diode Tutorial VideoURL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyhzpFqXwdA

Questions based on the first 4 minutes

• What is a diode?• How do you know which way to put a diode in

your circuit?

• a device that allows current to flow in only one direction

• check the little stripe on the end for correct orientation

What happens when you feed an AC voltage or current through a diode?

half-wave rectification

Why is there a missing voltage in the second picture?

There is no such thing as a perfect diode!

• What is the usual value of Vf?• Which criteria will determine the exact

value of Vf?

Vf ~ 0.7V

Exact value determined by:• temperature• current• type of diode

Explain these four scenarios as presented in the video.

How can you predict whether a diode is going to melt on you?

• by calculating the power wasted in the diode

Reading equations:

• The power wasted in a diode is given by Vf times the current flowing through it.

Compare these two scenarios and explain any potential issues and possible solutions.

• low current• low heat• OK to use an ordinary

silicon diode

• higher current• more heat• better to use a bigger

diode or a Schottky diode

What do these diagrams tell us about diodes?

Placing diodes in parallel is not a reliable option.

Using these two diagrams, explain the term diode switching speed.

What are the four important things to keep in mind about a diode before using it?

• maximum rated voltage• forward voltage• current rating• switching speed