OUTLINE

• Ideal diode
• PN junction as a diode (Diode Models)
• Additional examples
• Small-signal operation
• Applications of diodes
- Rectifiers, Regulators, Limiter
Reading: Chapter 3.1-3.5

1
 Constant-Voltage Diode Model

• If VD < VD,on: The diode operates as an open circuit.

• If VD  VD,on: The diode operates as a constant voltage
source with value VD,on.

2
 Example: Diode DC Bias Calculations
• Ideal diode model 적용
IX
VX  I X R1  VD  I X R1  VT ln
IS
  I
V D V D
I X  I S  e  1  I S e  VD  VT In X
VT VT

  IS
• Constant-voltage diode model 적용
VD.on  0.8V 이라 하면
VX  I X R1  VD.on  I X  2.2mA for VX  3V
I X  0.2mA for VX  1V

• This example shows the simplicity provided by a constant-

voltage model over an exponential model.
• Using an exponential model, iteration is needed to solve for
current. Using a constant-voltage model, only linear equations
need to be solved.
3
 Different Models for Diode

Model of ideal diode Exponential model

Constant-voltage model
• So far we have studied the ideal model of diode. However,
there are still the exponential and constant voltage models.
4
 OUTLINE
• Ideal diode
• PN junction as a diode
• Additional examples
• Small-signal operation
• Applications of diodes
- Rectifiers, Regulators, Limiter
Reading: Chapter 3.1-3.5

5
Input/Output Characteristics with Ideal and Constant-Voltage Models
 Ideal diode model을 사용하여 해석한 경우

 Constant-voltage diode model을 사용하여 해석한 경우

• The circuit above shows the difference between the ideal and constant-voltage
model; the two models yield two different break points of slope.
6
Input/Output Characteristics with a Constant-Voltage Model
 Constant-voltage diode model을 사용하여 해석한 경우

• When using a constant-voltage model, the voltage drop across

the diode is no longer zero but VD,on when it conducts.
7
 Another Constant-Voltage Model Example
 Constant-voltage diode model을 사용하여 해석

• In this example, since Vin is connected to the cathode, the diode conducts
when Vin is very negative.
• The break point where the slope changes is when the current across R1 is
equal to the current across R2. 8
 Another Constant-Voltage Model Example
 Constant-voltage diode model을 사용하여 해석

• This example shows the importance of good initial guess and careful confirmation.
9
 Exponential Model
 
V D D V

I D1  I S 1  e  1  I S 1e
VT VT

 
 
VD VD

I D 2  I S 2  e  1  I S 2 e VT
VT

 
I in  I D1  I D 2  I S 1  I S 2 e
VD
VT

I in I
I D1  , I D 2  in
I s2 I s1
1  1 
I s1 I s2

• In this example, since the two diodes have different cross-section areas, only
exponential model can be used.
• The two currents are solved by summing them with Iin, and equating their
voltages.
10