🔌 Diode Types Explorer

Session 3: Semiconductors & Diodes

⚡

Rectifier Diode

Converts AC to DC (Rectification)

▷|

✓ Forward Bias

Conducts current when positive voltage applied to anode. Electrons flow from cathode to anode through the load.

✗ Reverse Bias

Blocks current when negative voltage applied to anode. Only small leakage current flows.

Types of Rectifier Diodes

Standard Rectifier
Fast Recovery
Schottky

Key Characteristics

✓ Forward voltage drop: 0.7V (Silicon)
✓ High current handling capability
✓ Used in power supplies and rectification

🚗 Applications in Electric Vehicles

1
AC-DC conversion in charging systems
2
Battery charging circuits
3
Power supply rectification
4
Onboard charger circuits
📈

Zener Diode

Voltage Regulation (Maintains constant voltage)

▷|◁

✓ Forward Bias

Operates like a normal diode, conducting current in forward direction.

⚡ Reverse Breakdown

Conducts at specific breakdown voltage (Zener voltage). Maintains constant voltage across terminals.

Types of Zener Diodes

Low voltage (<5V)
High voltage (>5V)

Key Characteristics

✓ Operates in reverse breakdown region
✓ Maintains constant voltage
✓ Available in various Zener voltages (2.4V to 200V)

🚗 Applications in Electric Vehicles

1
Voltage regulation in BMS
2
Overvoltage protection circuits
3
Reference voltage generation
4
Sensor signal conditioning
💡

Light Emitting Diode (LED)

Converts electrical energy to light

▷|→

💡 Forward Bias

Emits light when forward biased through electron-hole recombination. Photons released as visible light.

✗ Reverse Bias

No light emission, blocks current like standard diode.

Types of LEDs

Standard LED
RGB LED
High-power LED
OLED

Key Characteristics

✓ Forward voltage: 2-3.5V (color dependent)
✓ Low current operation: 10-20mA
✓ Long lifespan: 25,000-50,000 hours
✓ High energy efficiency

🚗 Applications in Electric Vehicles

1
Vehicle lighting (headlights, taillights)
2
Dashboard indicators
3
Charge status displays
4
Interior ambient lighting
👁️

Photodiode

Converts light to electrical current

▷|←

✓ Forward Bias

Normal diode operation - conducts current regardless of light.

☀️ Reverse Bias (Photoconductive)

Generates current proportional to light intensity. Used in light sensing applications.

Types of Photodiodes

PN Photodiode
PIN Photodiode
Avalanche Photodiode

Key Characteristics

✓ Linear response to light intensity
✓ Fast response time
✓ Spectral sensitivity varies by material
✓ Low dark current

🚗 Applications in Electric Vehicles

1
Ambient light sensors
2
Solar panel monitoring
3
Rain detection sensors
4
Proximity detection systems

📚 Semiconductor Basics Review

P-Type Semiconductor

  • Doped with Group III elements (Boron, Aluminum)
  • Creates excess holes
  • Holes are majority carriers
  • Positive charge carriers dominate

N-Type Semiconductor

  • Doped with Group V elements (Phosphorus, Arsenic)
  • Creates excess electrons
  • Electrons are majority carriers
  • Negative charge carriers dominate

P-N Junction

  • Formed by joining P and N materials
  • Creates depletion region at junction
  • Basis of all diode operation
  • Allows current in one direction only
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