Electro 2R – Basic Electronics, LEC

Week 2

CIRCUIT ANALYSIS OF DIODES

Time Frame: 3 hours

Course Outcomes:
CO 2. Solve problems related to diode.

Learning Outcomes:
LO2.2: Solve simple circuit diode problems.

Introduction
Most electronic systems on-board the vessel need a DC voltage to work properly. Since the
power-line voltage from the ship’s generators is alternating and normally has a value that is too high, it
is needed to reduce the AC line voltage and then convert it to a constant DC output voltage. The part of
the electronic system that produces this DC voltage is called the AC-DC power supply, which contains
circuits that allow current to flow in only one direction with the use of diodes

In this lesson, we will cover the circuit analysis of diodes.

Motivation
What the formulas used in circuit analysis of diodes? List in the box below all the relevant
formulas that you will learn in this lesson.
Discussion

D.C. Analysis of a PN-Junction Diode

To analyze PN-junction diodes circuit with D.C. sources, we must follow these five steps:
Step 1: Assume the operating mode of the PN-junction diode - forward-biased or reverse-biased. For more than
one diode in a circuit, initial assumption may be different for each diode, eg. Assume Diode D1 is forward-biased
and Diode D2 is reverse-biased.

Step 2: Draw an equivalent circuit corresponding to the initial assumptions:

Diode Approximations Forward-biased Assumption Reverse-biased Assumption

Initial condition Voltage across the diode is zero Current through the diode is zero
Vd=0V Id=0A
Ideal diode
with constant voltage drop

with bulk resistance

Step 3: Use circuit analysis to solve for the unknown values: Solve for Id for forward-bias assumption. Solve for Vd
for reverse-bias assumption.

Step 4: Check the results. For forward-bias, there should be a current flowing through the resistor so Id > 0 A. For
reverse bias, the voltage across the resistor is reversed so Vd < 0 V (Use Vd < 0.7V if constant voltage drop is
included in diode model).

Step 5: Conclusion. If the results correspond to the diode characteristics, conclude that the initial assumption is
correct.
Exercise

Question #1: Shown below is a circuit with a PN-junction diode. Determine whether diode D1 is
forward-biased or reverse-biased. D1 is a silicon diode (0.7V). Solve for the values of the voltage
(VD) across the diode and current (ID) through it.

Question #2: Shown below is a circuit with two PN-junction diodes. Determine whether diodes
D1 and D2 are forward-biased or reverse-biased. D1 is a silicon diode (0.7V). Solve for the values
of the voltage (VD1, VD2) across diodes D1 and D2 and current (ID1, ID2) through it.
 Step-by-step Solution and Answer to Question #1:
Shown below is a circuit with a PN-junction diode. Determine whether diode D1 is forward-biased or
reverse-biased. D1 is a silicon diode (0.7V). Solve for the values of the voltage (VD) across the diode
and current (ID) through it.

Step 1: Assume the diode is reverse-biased.

Step 2: Draw an equivalent circuit corresponding to the initial assumptions. Replace the diode with an open circuit.

Step 3: Use circuit analysis to solve for Vd.

KVL: Thus, i2 = 0 A
LOOP 1: -5V + 1k(i1) + 2k(i3) = 0
LOOP 2: 2k( - i3) + Vd + 0.7V = 0 LOOP 1: -5V + 1k(i1) + 2k(i3) = 0

KCL: -5V + 1k(i1) + 2k(i1 – i2) = 0

NODE A: i1 = i2 + i3 -5V + 1k(i1) + 2k(i1) – 2k(i2) = 0
i1 – i2 = i3 -5V +3k(i1) – 2k(i2) = 0
-5V +3k(i1) – 2k(0) = 0
Solve: -5V +3k(i1) – 0 = 0
(RB) 3k(i1) = +5 V
Vd=? i1 =
𝟓𝑽
𝟑𝒌Ω
Id = 0 A
i1 = 1.667 mA
i2 = Id (series currents)
LOOP 2: 2k( - i3) + Vd + 0.7V = 0

2k(- (i1 – i2)) + Vd + 0.7V = 0

2k( -i1 + i2 ) + Vd + 0.7V = 0
-2k(i1) + 2k(i2) + Vd + 0.7V = 0
-2k(i1) + 2k(i2) + Vd + 0.7V = 0
-2k(1.667 mA) + 2k(0A)+ Vd + 0.7V = 0
-3.333V + 0 V + Vd + 0.7V = 0
Vd = +3.333V – 0.7V
Vd = 2.633V
Vd = 2.633 V

Step 4: Check the results.

(RB)
Vd < 0 V → 2.633 V < 0 V FALSE

Step 5: Conclusion. ASSUMPTION IS WRONG. Go back to Step 1 and solve another assumption.

Step 1: Assume the diode is forward-biased.

Step 2: Draw an equivalent circuit corresponding to the initial assumptions. Replace the diode with a closed circuit.

Step 3: Use circuit analysis to solve for Vd.

KVL: i2 = Id (series currents)

LOOP 1: -5V + 1k(i1) + 2k(i3) = 0 LOOP 1: -5V + 1k(i1) + 2k(i3) = 0
LOOP 2: 2k( - i3) + 0.7V = 0
-5V + 1k(i1) + 2k(i1 – i2) = 0
KCL: -5V + 1k(i1) + 2k(i1) – 2k(i2) = 0
NODE A: i1 = i2 + i3 -5V +3k(i1) – 2k(i2) = 0
i1 – i2 = i3 +3k(i1) – 2k(i2) = +5V eqn. 1

Solve: LOOP 2: 2k( - i3) + 0.7V = 0

(FB)
id=? 2k(- (i1 – i2)) + 0.7V = 0
Vd = 0 V 2k( -i1 + i2 ) + 0.7V = 0
 -2k(i1) + 2k(i2) + 0.7V = 0 -2k(i1) + 2k(i2) = - 0.7 V eqn. 2
+3k(i1) – 2k(i2) = +5V eqn. 1
-2k(i1) + 2k(i2) = - 0.7 V eqn. 2

+3k(i1) – 2k(i2) = +5V

+3k(i1) = +5V + 2k(i2)
+3k(i1) = +5V + 2k(i2)
𝟓𝑽+ 𝟐𝐤(𝐢𝟐)
i1 =
𝟑𝒌

-2k(i1) + 2k(i2) = - 0.7 V

-2k(i1) + 2k(i2) = - 0.7 V
𝟓𝑽+ 𝟐𝐤(𝐢𝟐)
-2k( ) + 2k(i2) = - 0.7 V
𝟑𝒌
−𝟐𝒌
(+5V + 2k(i2)) + 2k(i2) = - 0.7 V
𝟑𝒌
-0.667 (+5V + 2k(i2)) + 2k(i2) = - 0.7 V
-0.667(5V) - 0.667(2k(i2)) + 2k(i2) = - 0.7 V
-3.333V - 1.333k(i2) + 2k(i2) = - 0.7 V
-3.333V - 1.333k(i2) + 2k(i2) = - 0.7 V
- 1.333k(i2) + 2k(i2) = - 0.7 V + 3.333V
0.667k(i2) = - 0.7 V + 3.333V
0.667k(i2) = 2.633 V
0.667k(i2) = 2.633 V
𝟐.𝟔𝟑𝟑𝑽
i2 =
𝟎.𝟔𝟔𝟕𝒌
i2 = 3.95 mA

i2 = id (series currents)
id = 3.95 mA

Step 4: Check the results.

(FB)
id > 0 mA → 3.95 mA > 0 mA TRUE

Step 5: ASSUMPTION IS CORRECT. The PN-junction diode is forward biased. Therefore, the voltage across the
diode VD = 0V and current through it ID= 3.95 mA.
 Step-by-step Solution and Answer to Question #2:
Shown below is a circuit with two PN-junction diodes. Determine whether diodes D1 and D2 are
forward-biased or reverse-biased. D1 is a silicon diode (0.7V). Solve for the values of the voltage
(VD1, VD2) across diodes D1 and D2 and current (ID1, ID2) through it.

Step 1: Assume diode D1 is forward-biased and diode D2 is forward-biased.

Step 2: Draw an equivalent circuit corresponding to the initial assumptions. Replace the diodes with closed circuits.

Step 3: Use circuit analysis to solve for id1 and id2.

KVL:
LOOP 1: -10V + 4k(i1) + 0.7 V + 6k(i3) = 0 LOOP 1: -10V + 4k(i1) + 0.7 V + 6k(i3) = 0
LOOP 2: 6k(i3) - 3 V + 0.7 V = 0
-10V + 4k(i1) + 0.7 V + 6k(i3) = 0
KCL: -10V + 4k(i1) + 0.7 V + 6k(i1 + i2) = 0
NODE A: i1 + i2 = i3 -10V + 4k(i1) + 0.7 V + 6k(i1) + 6k(i2) = 0
-9.3V + 4k(i1) + 6k(i1) + 6k(i2) = 0
Solve: + 4k(i1) + 6k(i1) + 6k(i2) =+9.3V
(FB, FB) +10k(i1) + 6k(i2) = +9.3V eqn. 1
id1=?
id2=? LOOP 2: 6k(i3) - 3 V + 0.7 V = 0
Vd1=0V
Vd2=0V 6k(i3) - 3 V + 0.7 V = 0
id1= i1 (series currents) 6k(i1 + i2) - 3 V + 0.7 V = 0
id2= i2 (series currents) 6k(i1) + 6k(i2) - 3 V + 0.7 V = 0
 6k(i1) + 6k(i2) = + 3 V - 0.7 V 6k(i1) + 6k(i2) = +2.3 V eqn. 2

10k(i1) + 6k(i2) = +9.3V eqn. 1

6k(i1) + 6k(i2) = +2.3 V eqn. 2

10k(i1) + 6k(i2) = +9.3V

+ 6k(i2) = +9.3V - 10k(i1)
+𝟗.𝟑𝑽 − 𝟏𝟎𝐤(𝐢𝟏)
i2 =
𝟔𝒌

6k(i1) + 6k(i2) = +2.3 V

6k(i1) + 6k(i2) = +2.3 V
+𝟗.𝟑𝑽 − 𝟏𝟎𝐤(𝐢𝟏)
6k(i1) + 6k( ) = +2.3 V
𝟔𝒌
𝟔𝒌
6k(i1) + (9.3V - 10k(i1)) = +2.3 V
𝟔𝒌
6k(i1) + 1 (9.3V - 10k(i1)) = +2.3 V
6k(i1) + 9.3V - 10k(i1) = +2.3 V
6k(i1) + 9.3V - 10k(i1) = +2.3 V
6k(i1) - 10k(i1) = +2.3 V - 9.3V
- 4k(i1) = - 7V
−𝟕𝑽
i1 =
−𝟒𝒌
i1 = 1.75 mA

+𝟗.𝟑𝑽 − 𝟏𝟎𝐤(𝐢𝟏)
i2 =
𝟔𝒌
+𝟗.𝟑𝑽 − 𝟏𝟎𝐤(𝐢𝟏)
i2 =
𝟔𝒌
+𝟗.𝟑𝑽 − 𝟏𝟎𝐤(𝟏.𝟕𝟓𝐦𝐀)
i2 =
𝟔𝒌
+𝟗.𝟑𝑽 − 𝟏𝟕.𝟓 𝐕
i2 =
𝟔𝒌
−𝟖.𝟐 𝐕
i2 =
𝟔𝒌
i2 = -1.3667 mA

id1 = i1 = 1.75 mA (series currents)

id2 = i2 = -1.3667 mA (series currents)

Step 4: Check the results.

(FB)
id1 > 0 mA → 1.75 mA > 0 mA TRUE
id2 > 0 mA → -1.3667 mA > 0 mA FALSE

Step 5: Conclusion. ASSUMPTIONS ARE WRONG. Go back to Step 1 and solve another assumption.
Step 1: Assume diode D1 is reverse-biased and diode D2 is reverse-biased.

Step 2: Draw an equivalent circuit corresponding to the initial assumptions. Replace the diodes with open circuits.

Step 3: Use circuit analysis to solve for Vd1 and Vd2.

KVL: LOOP 1: -10V + 4k(i1) + Vd1 + 0.7 V + 6k(i3) = 0

LOOP 1: -10V + 4k(i1) + Vd1 + 0.7 V + 6k(i3) = 0
LOOP 2: 6k(i3) - 3 V + Vd2 + 0.7 V = 0 -10V + 4k(i1) + Vd1 + 0.7 V + 6k(i3) = 0
-10V + 4k(i1) + Vd1 + 0.7 V + 6k(i1 + i2) = 0
KCL: -10V + 4k(0A) + Vd1 +0.7 V + 6k(0A + 0A) = 0
NODE A: i1 + i2 = i3 -10V + 0 + Vd1 +0.7 V + 0 =0
-9.3V + 0 + Vd1 + 0 =0
Solve: + Vd1 = +9.3V
(RB, RB)
Vd1=? LOOP 2: 6k(i3) - 3 V + 0.7 V = 0
Vd2=?
id1=0 A 6k(i3) - 3 V + Vd2 + 0.7 V = 0
id2=0 A 6k(i1 + i2) - 3 V + Vd2 + 0.7 V = 0
id1= i1 (series currents) 6k(i1) + 6k(i2) - 3 V + Vd2 + 0.7 V = 0
id2= i2 (series currents) 6k(0) + 6k(0) + Vd2 = +3V - 0.7V
Vd2 = +2.3 V

Step 4: Check the results.

(RB, RB)
Vd1 < 0 V → 9.3 V < 0 V FALSE
Vd2 < 0 V → 2.3 V < 0 V FALSE

Step 5: Conclusion. ASSUMPTIONS ARE WRONG. Go back to Step 1 and solve another assumption.

Step 4: Check the results.

(RB)
Vd < 0 V → 2.633 V < 0 V FALSE

Step 5: Conclusion. ASSUMPTION IS WRONG. Go back to Step 1 and solve another assumption.
Step 1: Assume diode D1 is reverse-biased and diode D2 is forward-biased.

Step 2: Draw an equivalent circuit corresponding to the initial assumptions. Replace diode 1 with an open circuit
and diode 2 with a closed circuit.

Step 3: Use circuit analysis to solve for Vd1 and id2.

KVL:
LOOP 1: -10V + 4k(i1) + Vd1 + 0.7 V + 6k(i3) = 0 LOOP 1: -10V + 4k(i1) + Vd1 + 0.7 V + 6k(i3) = 0
LOOP 2: 6k(i3) - 3 V + 0.7 V = 0
-10V + 4k(i1) + Vd1 + 0.7 V + 6k(i3) = 0
KCL: -10V + 4k(i1) + Vd1 + 0.7 V + 6k(i1 + i2) = 0
NODE A: i1 + i2 = i3 -10V + 4k(0A) + Vd1 +0.7 V + 6k(0A + i2) = 0
-10V + 4k(0A) + Vd1 +0.7 V + 6k(0A) + 6k(i2) = 0
Solve: -10V + 0 + Vd1 +0.7 V + 0 + 6k(i2) = 0
(RB, FB) -9.3V + 0 + Vd1 + 0 + 6k(i2) = 0
Vd1=? + Vd1 = +9.3V - 6k(i2) eqn. 1
id2=?
id1= 0A LOOP 2: 6k(i3) - 3 V + 0.7 V = 0
Vd2=0V
id1= i1 (series currents) 6k(i3) - 3 V + 0.7 V = 0
id2= i2 (series currents) 6k(i1 + i2) - 3 V + 0.7 V = 0
6k(i1) + 6k(i2) - 3 V + 0.7 V = 0
6k(0) + 6k(i2) = + 3 V - 0.7 V
0 + 6k(i2) = + 3 V - 0.7 V
6k(i2) = +2.3 V
+𝟐.𝟑𝑽
i2 =
𝟔𝒌
i2 = 0.38333 mA eqn.2

+ Vd1 = +9.3V - 6k(i2) eqn. 1

i2 = 0.38333 mA eqn. 2 Step 4: Check the results.
+ Vd1 = +9.3V - 6k(i2) (RB, FB)
+ Vd1 = +9.3V - 6k(0.38333 mA) Vd1 < 0 V → 7V <0V FALSE
+ Vd1 = +9.3V – 2.3V id2 > 0 mA → 0.38333 mA > 0 mA TRUE
Vd1 = 7V
id2 = i2 = 0.38333 mA (series currents)
Step 5: Conclusion. ASSUMPTIONS ARE WRONG. Go
back to Step 1 and solve another assumption.

Step 1: Assume diode D1 is forward-biased and diode D2 is reverse-biased.

Step 2: Draw an equivalent circuit corresponding to the initial assumptions. Replace diode 1 with a closed circuit
and diode 2 with an open circuit.

Step 3: Use circuit analysis to solve for id1 and Vd2.

KVL:
LOOP 1: -10V + 4k(i1) + 0.7 V + 6k(i3) = 0 LOOP 1: -10V + 4k(i1) + 0.7 V + 6k(i3) = 0
LOOP 2: 6k(i3) - 3 V + Vd2 + 0.7 V = 0
-10V + 4k(i1) + 0.7 V + 6k(i3) = 0
KCL: -10V + 4k(i1) + 0.7 V + 6k(i1 + i2) = 0
NODE A: i1 + i2 = i3 -10V + 4k(i1) + 0.7 V + 6k(i1) + 6k(i2) = 0
-9.3V + 4k(i1) + 6k(i1) + 6k(0 ) = 0
Solve: + 4k(i1) + 6k(i1) + 0 =+9.3V
(FB, RB) +10k(i1) = +9.3V
id1=? +𝟗.𝟑𝑽
i1 =
𝟏𝟎𝒌
Vd2=?
i1 = 0.9333mA
Vd1= 0V
id2 = 0A
LOOP 2: 6k(i3) - 3 V + Vd2 + 0.7 V = 0
id1= i1 (series currents)
6k(i3) - 3 V + Vd2 + 0.7 V = 0
id2= i2 (series currents)
6k(i1 + i2) - 3 V + Vd2 + 0.7 V = 0
6k(i1) + 6k(i2) - 3 V + Vd2 + 0.7 V = 0
6k(i1)+ 6k(i2) + Vd2 = +3V - 0.7V
6k(0.933mA) + 6k(0) + Vd2 = 2.3V
5.6V + 0 + Vd2 = 2.3V
Vd2 = 2.3V – 5.6V
Vd2 = - 3.3 V
id1 = i1 = 0.9333 mA (series currents)
Step 4: Check the results.
(RB, FB)
id1 > 0 mA → 0.9333 mA > 0 mA TRUE
Vd2 < 0 V → - 3.3 V < 0 V TRUE
Enrichment

1. Draw a diode symbol into this circuit schematic diagram in the correct direction to make
it forward-biased by the battery voltage:

2. Draw a diode symbol into this circuit schematic diagram in the correct direction to make
it reverse-biased by the battery voltage:

Evaluation
Weekly Assessment: Solve problems related to diode.

Go to the WEEK 2: Classwork posted in the online classroom for ELECTRO 2R – Basic Electricity, LEC.