Diodes Flashcards

(75 cards)

1
Q
A
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2
Q

What is a diode?

A

A semiconductor device that allows current to flow in one direction only.

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3
Q

True or False: Diodes can conduct current in both directions.

A

False

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4
Q

What is the primary function of a diode?

A

To rectify alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC).

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5
Q

Fill in the blank: A diode is made from a semiconductor material, typically _____ or _____.

A

silicon, germanium

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6
Q

What are the two types of semiconductor materials used in diodes?

A

P-type and N-type.

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7
Q

What does the ‘P’ in P-type semiconductor stand for?

A

Positive.

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8
Q

What does the ‘N’ in N-type semiconductor stand for?

A

Negative.

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9
Q

What is the junction in a diode?

A

The interface where the P-type and N-type materials meet.

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10
Q

What is the threshold voltage of a silicon diode?

A

Approximately 0.7 volts.

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11
Q

What is the threshold voltage of a germanium diode?

A

Approximately 0.3 volts.

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12
Q

True or False: Diodes can be used for signal modulation.

A

True

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13
Q

What is a Zener diode used for?

A

To provide voltage regulation.

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14
Q

What is the reverse breakdown voltage in a diode?

A

The voltage at which a diode begins to conduct in the reverse direction.

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15
Q

Fill in the blank: The _____ region of a diode is where charge carriers recombine.

A

depletion

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16
Q

What is a light-emitting diode (LED)?

A

A diode that emits light when current flows through it.

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17
Q

True or False: LEDs can only emit red light.

A

False

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18
Q

What type of diode is used for high-frequency applications?

A

Schottky diode.

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19
Q

What is the main advantage of a Schottky diode?

A

Lower forward voltage drop and faster switching speed.

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20
Q

What is the purpose of a rectifier diode?

A

To convert AC to DC.

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21
Q

Fill in the blank: A _____ diode allows current to flow in both directions but with different characteristics.

A

bipolar

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22
Q

What is the difference between a diode and a transistor?

A

A diode has two terminals while a transistor has three terminals.

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23
Q

What is a varactor diode?

A

A diode that acts as a variable capacitor.

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24
Q

True or False: Diodes can only be used in electronic circuits.

A

False

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25
What is the function of a photodiode?
To convert light into electrical current.
26
Fill in the blank: Diodes are commonly used in _____ circuits to prevent reverse polarity.
protection
27
What does the term 'forward bias' mean in relation to diodes?
When the positive side of the voltage source is connected to the P-type material.
28
What does the term 'reverse bias' mean in relation to diodes?
When the positive side of the voltage source is connected to the N-type material.
29
What is a tunnel diode?
A diode that has a negative resistance region and is used in high-speed applications.
30
True or False: Diodes can be used for voltage clamping.
True
31
What is the role of a diode in a clamping circuit?
To limit the voltage to a certain level.
32
What is the typical current rating for standard diodes?
From a few milliamps to several amperes.
33
What is the difference between a signal diode and a rectifier diode?
Signal diodes are used for low power signals, while rectifier diodes handle higher current and voltage.
34
Fill in the blank: The _____ characteristic curve of a diode shows the relationship between current and voltage.
IV
35
What does the term 'reverse recovery time' refer to?
The time it takes for a diode to stop conducting in the reverse direction.
36
What is the purpose of a diode in a half-wave rectifier circuit?
To allow only one half of the AC signal to pass through.
37
True or False: Diodes can only be used in simple circuits.
False
38
What are Schottky diodes commonly used for?
In power supply applications due to their fast switching speed.
39
What is the effect of temperature on diode performance?
Increased temperature can decrease the forward voltage drop and increase reverse leakage current.
40
Fill in the blank: The _____ diode is used for high voltage applications.
rectifier
41
What is the primary use of a silicon carbide (SiC) diode?
For high-temperature and high-voltage applications.
42
True or False: All diodes have the same forward voltage drop.
False
43
What is a common application of a Zener diode?
Voltage regulation in power supplies.
44
What happens when a diode is forward-biased?
It allows current to flow through it.
45
What happens when a diode is reverse-biased?
It blocks current flow.
46
What is the significance of the knee voltage in a diode?
It marks the point where the diode begins to conduct significant current.
47
Fill in the blank: A diode can be modeled as a _____ in series with a current source.
voltage drop
48
What is the purpose of a diode in a full-wave rectifier circuit?
To allow both halves of the AC signal to be converted to DC.
49
True or False: Diodes can be used in oscillators.
True
50
What is a common characteristic of a rectifier diode?
High current handling capability.
51
What is the role of diodes in signal modulation?
To mix signals by allowing certain frequencies to pass while blocking others.
52
What type of diode is typically used for RF applications?
Varactor diode.
53
Fill in the blank: Diodes can be used to create _____ circuits.
logic
54
What is the typical reverse voltage rating for standard diodes?
From a few volts to several thousand volts.
55
True or False: Diodes can be damaged by excessive reverse voltage.
True
56
What is the role of a diode in a snubber circuit?
To protect sensitive components from voltage spikes.
57
What is the maximum current rating for most standard diodes?
Typically up to 1A or more, depending on the type.
58
What are the applications of a photodiode?
Used in optical communication and light detection systems.
59
Fill in the blank: A _____ is a diode that operates on the principle of quantum tunneling.
tunnel diode
60
What is a common application for LEDs?
In lighting and display technologies.
61
True or False: Diodes can be used to protect against reverse polarity in circuits.
True
62
What is the primary difference between a standard diode and a Zener diode?
Zener diodes are designed to operate in reverse breakdown mode.
63
What is the effect of increasing the reverse voltage on a diode?
It eventually leads to breakdown and conduction in reverse direction.
64
Fill in the blank: The _____ diode is commonly used in RF applications.
varactor
65
What is the typical response time for a photodiode?
In the nanosecond range.
66
What is the significance of the forward current rating in a diode?
It indicates the maximum current the diode can conduct in the forward direction without damage.
67
True or False: Diodes can be used in communication systems.
True
68
What is the purpose of a diode bridge?
To convert AC to DC using four diodes.
69
What is the typical forward voltage drop for a Schottky diode?
Approximately 0.2 to 0.3 volts.
70
Fill in the blank: A _____ diode allows current to flow in one direction, creating a voltage drop.
rectifier
71
What is a common use for a high-voltage diode?
In power conversion applications.
72
True or False: A diode can be used as a switch.
True
73
What type of diode is used for protecting circuits from voltage spikes?
Transient voltage suppression (TVS) diode.
74
What is the primary characteristic of a Schottky diode?
Fast switching speed and low forward voltage drop.
75
Fill in the blank: A diode's _____ is the maximum reverse voltage it can withstand.
reverse breakdown voltage