Diode Tutorial Video

URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyhzpFqXwdA

Questions based on the first 4 minutes

• What is a diode?
• How do you know which way to put a diode in
your circuit?

• a device that allows current to flow in only one

direction
• check the little stripe on the end for correct
orientation
What happens when you feed an AC voltage or
current through a diode?

half-wave rectification
Why is there a
missing voltage in
the second picture?

There is no such
thing as a perfect
diode!
• What is the usual value of Vf?
• Which criteria will determine the exact
value of Vf?

Vf ~ 0.7V

Exact value determined by:

• temperature
• current
• type of diode
Explain these four scenarios as presented
in the video.
How can you predict whether a diode is going to
melt on you?
• by calculating the power wasted in the diode

Reading equations:
• The power wasted in a diode is given by Vf
times the current flowing through it.
Compare these two scenarios and explain any
potential issues and possible solutions.

• low current • higher current

• low heat • more heat
• OK to use an ordinary • better to use a bigger
silicon diode diode or a Schottky
diode
What do these
diagrams tell us
about diodes?

Placing diodes in
parallel is not a
reliable option.
Using these two diagrams, explain the term
diode switching speed.
What are the four important things to keep in
mind about a diode before using it?
• maximum rated voltage
• forward voltage
• current rating
• switching speed