Semiconductor diode. The basis of electronics

With all the variety of modern electronic components, we must not forget that it is based on the simplest things, one of which is a semiconductor diode.

We must immediately note that only at first glance this is a simple element. In fact, its use allows us to solve a variety of problems in the field of electronics and electrical engineering. The technology of manufacturing such devices is not particularly complicated.

The diode consists of two different types of conductivity, called the regions of n-conductivity and p-conductivity. If we consider the principle of operation of a semiconductor diode, we will have to go deeper into concepts such as pn junction, electron emission, diffusion, and other similar physical effects. Therefore, leaving the consideration of these questions for another case, we make use of a comparison. A semiconductor diode can be compared with a valve. Due to its structure, which consists of two different types of conductivity materials, such a device has one-sided conductivity, which means that the electric current through it can flow only one way. The same happens when using a valve - air or water can only pass to one side. An example is a bicycle camera: there air comes in, and back - no.

It would seem that a very simple effect - one-sided conductivity, but how many possibilities it gives its use in practical application. In particular, the semiconductor diode performs the conversion of an alternating voltage to a constant voltage. There is a whole class of such products, called rectifying diodes.

They work just like a valve. If the polarity of the voltage applied to the product corresponds to the required voltage, i.e. When plus voltages are applied to the plus of the device, and minus to minus, then an electric current flows through it, if not, nothing happens.

It is thanks to the described effect that the alternating voltage is converted into a constant voltage. An alternating voltage is applied to the input of the circuit, but only the correct polarity passes through the semiconductor. As a result, we will have at the output voltage only one polarity, although pulsating, i.e. Varying in amplitude.

This is not the only application of semiconductor devices. The pn junction, which forms the basis of the diode, has other properties, many of which are specified specifically for its manufacture. Such characteristics serve as the basis for other, most diverse classes of devices. These are zener diodes, high-frequency and pulse diodes, varicaps, photodiodes, light-emitting diodes, etc. But they are all based on the properties of the pn junction.

However, there is a whole class of devices called the "semiconductor diode Gunn", not associated with the formation of such a transition. Their work is based on the so-called Gann effect. It is caused by a complex of complex phenomena occurring in a semiconductor crystal under certain external influences. As a result of these processes, the current flowing through the crystal changes, and its oscillations arise. Here for their generation and use such devices. Usually they are used in microwave technology as sources of oscillations.

Diodes are an integral part of any electronic device. They are used for separation and conversion of voltage, its stabilization, filtering of interference; It's easier to list cases when they are not being used. For them, there are cases of various types, designed for a variety of currents and voltages and installed in both the input and output circuits of electronic devices. A diode is probably one of the most common semiconductor devices.

Now you know what a semiconductor diode is and what options exist for its use.