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Semiconductor Diode |
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An pn junction is known as a semiconductor diode or crystal diode
or junction diode. |
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It has been discussed that a pn junction (i.e. semiconductor
diode) conducts current easily when forward biased and practically
no current flows when it is reverse biased. This outstanding
property of the semiconductor diode permits it to direct current. |
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A crystal diode is usually represented by the schematic symbol
shown in fig. The arrowhead indicates the direction of easy
flow of conventional current (flow of positive charge) when
the diode is forward biased or reverse biased. |
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(I) If arrowhead of diode symbol is positive w.r.t. the bar of the symbol, the diode is forward biased. |
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(II)
If arrowhead of diode symbol is negative w.r.t. the bar of
the symbol, the diode is reverse biased. |
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