Experiment 3

The Diode Characteristic Curve

Objective of the Experiment:

1- Measure the forward and reverse characteristics of a signal diode and observe the
relationship between current and voltage on a semi log plot.
2- Plot the forward and reverse characteristics of a single diode using the oscilloscope.

Components Needed:
Part 1:
1- Resistors: One 330Ω, One 1.0 MΩ
2- One signal diode 1N914
3- Two multimeters
4- One variable power supply

Experimental Procedure:

1. A quick diode test is useful if you are not sure if a diode is good. Digital meters usually have
a diode test position, which allows the meter to provide bias voltage for the diode. In this
configuration, a diode is placed between the leads. It will be forward biased in the one
direction (silicon diode will read about 0.6 V) and an overload (OL) or an open reading in
the other. Check the meter you are using and test a IN914 diode using this method or one
describe by the manufacturer of your meter. if you do not have a diode test position on your
meter, you can use an ohmmeter to test the forward and reverse resistance; however, this
method is not as reliable as the first test as not all meters will read the same.

Describe the meter test you performed:

In this test, we connected a voltmeter with a diode in parallel. To measure the voltage in
forward bias, we connected a small value resistor in series and see the voltage during this
condition. On the other hand, we connected a large value resistor in series across a diode in
order to measure its voltage.
 2. Measure and record the values of resistors listed in table 3-1. It is a good idea to always
measure resistors in experiments to help in understanding results later and to ensure that the
resistors are the correct values.

Table 3-1
Component List Measured
Value Value
R1 330Ω

R2 1.0 MΩ

Fig. 3-1

3. Construct the forwards-biased circuit shown in figure 3-1. The line on the diode indicates the
cathode side of the diode (with forward bias, this is the negative side). The power supply
represents the source voltage (VS). Set it for zero volts (or the lowest voltage you can obtain).

4. Monitor the followed voltage drop, V F, across the diode. Slowly increase V S to establish
0.45V across the diode. With this voltage across the diode, measure the voltage across the
resistor, VR1, and record it in Table 3-2.

Table 3-2
VF VR1 IF
(measured) (computed)
0.45 1.224 mv 0.0037 mA
0.50 8.39 mv 0.0254 mA
 0.55 56.724 mv 0.172 mA
0.60 367.39mV 1.1133 mA
0.65 1.952 v 5.915 mA
0.70 6.038 V 18.296 mA
0.75 12.478V 37.812 mA

5. The diode forward current, IF, can be found by applying Ohm’s Law to R1. Compute IF and
enter the computed current in Table 3-2.

6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 for each voltage listed in Table 3-2.

7. The data in this step will be accurate only if your voltmeter has high input impedance.You
can test the impendance of your meter by measuring the power supply voltage through a
series 1.0 MΩ resistor. If the meter reads the supply voltage accurately, it has high input
impendance. Connect the reverse-biased circuit shown in figure 1-2. Set the power supply to
each voltage listed in Table 3-3. Mwasure and record the voltage across R 2 for each voltage.
Apply Ohm’s law to compare the reverse in each case. Enter the computed current in table3-
3

Vs VR2 IR Fig. 3-2

(measured) (measured) (computed)
5V 5 mV 5 nA

10 V 10 mV 10 nA

15 V 15 mV 15 nA

Table 3-3
8- Graph the forward and reverse biased diode curves. The different voltage scale factors for the
forwaed and reverse are chsen to allow the data to cover more of the graph. You need to choose an
apporpriate current scale factor which will put the largest current recorded near the top of the graph.
You should also add a title to your graph.

 Assume you measure a power supply voltage througth a series 1 MΩ resistor and observe
that it drope by half its former value when no resistor is in series. What is the input
impedance of the meter? Explain your answer.
Ans:
when voltage get half, it means that’s voltage is sharing between 2 resistances equally. These
resistances are 1MΩ and input impedance error. So, the value of input impedance must be
1MΩ.
So, the input impedance should also equal to 1MΩ in order to divide the voltage half.

 Why is a large resistor used in series with the reverse biased diode in step 7?
Ans:
A large resistor is connected in series with a diode during reverse biasing because a diode
essentially acts like a open when reverse biased. when a diode is reverse biased its resistance
is very very high so it will produce a very low circuit current if a resistor is not added in
series, the current will become so high that it will become harmfull.
Conclusion:
From this experiment, we observed the forward and reverse biased characteristics of a diode. We see
that during reverse biasing, a very small value of current flow through the circuit while its value is
high during forward biasing. We concluded that diode does not conduct at all in the initial stages, as
we increase the voltage up to a specific limit, current went on increasing.  Also, we observed that
direction of voltage applying for both reverse bias and forward bias is change from one another.
Source of error:
The error may be cause by human or some device. In this case, one source of error is the incorrect
design or some internal fault of meter that is connected in our circuit. This fault give us incorrect
result. Its diffciult to find this type of error. Another source of error is by an unexperienced person
who do not know exactly how to operate the circuit and do not know the exact connections to
develop the circuit. This type of error can be reduced easily.