Electronics and Communication Circuits Lab.

EXPERIMENT #3
Voltage and Ampere Characteristics of Diode
Objective:
1. To observe and draw the Forward and Reverse bias V-I Characteristics of a
P-N junction diode.

Theory Overview:
A p-n junction diode conducts only one direction. The V-I characteristics of the
diode are curve between voltage across the diode and current through the diode.
When external voltage is zero, circuit is open and the potential barrier does not
allow the current to flow. Therefore, the circuit current is zero. When p-type
(Anode is connected to +ve terminal and n-type (cathode) is connected to –ve
terminal of supply voltage, is known as forward bias. The potential barrier is
reduced when diode is in the forward biased condition. At some forward voltage,
the potential barrier altogether eliminated and current starts flowing through the
diode and also in the circuit. The diode is said to be in ON state. The current
increases with increasing forward voltage.

When n-type (cathode) is connected to +ve terminal and p-type (Anode) is

connected –ve terminal of the supply voltage is known as reverse bias and the
potential barrier across the junction increase. Therefore, the junction resistance
becomes very high and a very small current (reverse saturation current) flows in
the circuit. The diode is said to be OFF state.

Materials Needed:
Diode 1N4007
Regulated power supply (0-15V)
Resistor 1KΩ , 10kΩ
DC Ammeter (mA, µA)
DC Voltmeter
Circuit Diagram:
Figure (1): Forward bias

Figure (2): Reverse bias

Procedure:
Forward Biased Condition:
1. Connect the circuit as shown in figure (1) using silicon PN Junction diode.
2. Vary V f gradually in table 1 and note the corresponding readings of I f .
4. Tabulate different forward currents obtained for different forward voltages.
Reverse biased condition:
1. Connect the circuit as shown in figure (2) using silicon PN Junction diode.
2. Vary V r gradually in table 2 and note the
V f (volts ) I f ( mA) corresponding readings of I r .
0 3. Tabulate different reverse currents obtained for
0.15 different reverse
0.3 V r (volts) I r ¿µ A ¿
voltages.
0.42 0
0.48 -0.15
0.52 -0.75
0.55 -1.8
0.58 -3.6
0.6 -4.65
0.61 -5.55
0.62 -6.6
0.63 -7.65
0.64 -8.55
0.65 -9.6
0.66 -10.2
0.67 -11.2
0.68 -12.2
0.69 -13.2
0.7 -14.1
0.7 -15
 Table 1 Table 2

Graph (Instructions):
1- Take a graph sheet and divide it into 4 equal parts. Mark origin at the center of the
Graph sheet.
2- Now mark
+ ve x-axis as V f
- Ve x-axis as V r
+ Ve y-axis as I f
- ve y-axis as I r

3- Mark the readings tabulated for Si forward biased condition in first Quadrant and Si
Reverse biased condition in third Quadrant.
Questions:

Explain and discuss the I-V characteristics in graph sheet .