Name: Gonzales, Jayvee D.
Basic Electronics Lecture
Grade & Section: BSME II-GN
Give the types of special purpose diode and their application and function.
Types of diodes Application
Zener Diode Voltage regulation
Schottky Diode High-speed switching
Varactor Diode (Varicap) Voltage-controlled oscillators,
frequency tuning
Tunnel Diode Microwave oscillators, high-
speed switching
Light Emitting Diode Indicator lights, displays,
(LED) lighting
Photodiode Light detection, solar cells
Avalanche Diode Overvoltage protection, pulse
generation
PIN Diode RF switches, photodetectors
Step-Recovery Diode Frequency multipliers, pulse
shaping
Gold-Doped Diode Microwave detectors, mixers
Gunn Diode Microwave oscillators, radar
systems
Schottky Barrier Diode (SBD) Rectifiers, power converters
Laser Diode Optical communications, laser
pointers
Transient Voltage Suppression Surge protection
(TVS) Diode
Thermal Diode Temperature measurement,
thermal management
Function
Maintains a constant voltage
across its terminals
Minimizes switching losses due
to its low forward voltage drop.
Alters its capacitance with
applied voltage.
Exhibits negative resistance
region for high-frequency
operation.
Emits light when forward biased.
Converts light energy into
electrical current.
Operates in the avalanche
breakdown region.
Acts as a variable resistor under
reverse bias.
Produces short, sharp pulses due
to charge storage and rapid
switching.
Provides a low junction
capacitance for high-frequency
operation.
Generates microwave
oscillations due to Gunn effect.
Provides low forward voltage
drop and fast switching.
Emits coherent light through
stimulated emission
Diverts transient voltage spikes
to protect sensitive circuits.
Provides a voltage proportional
to temperature.