Different Types of Diodes and Their Uses

A diode is a two-terminal electrical device, that allows the transfer of current in only one direction.The diode is also known for their unidirectional current property, where the electric current is permitted to flow in one direction. Basically, a diode is used for rectifying waveforms, within radio detectors or within power supplies.They can also be used in various electrical and electronic circuits where ‘one-way’ result of the diode is required. Most of the diodes are made from semiconductors like Si (silicon), but sometimes, Ge (germanium) is also used.It is sometimes beneficial to summarize the different types of diodes are existing. Some of the types may overlap, but the various definitions may benefit to narrow the field down and offer an overview of the different diode types.

Different Types of Diodes

There are several types of diodes are available for use in electronics design, namely; a Backward diode, BARITT diode, Gunn Diode, Laser diode, Light emitting diodes, Photodiode, PIN diode, PN Junction, Schottky diodes, Step recovery diode, Tunnel diode, Varactor diode and a Zener diode.

Backward Diode

This type of diode is also called the back diode, and it is not widely used. The backward diode is a PN-junction diode that is similar to the tunnel diode in its process. It finds a few special applications where its specific properties can be used.

BARITT Diode

The short term of this diode Barrier Injection Transit Time diode is BARITT diode. It is applicable in microwave applications and allows many comparisons to the more widely used IMPATT diode. Please refer the below link for BARRITT Diode

Gunn Diode

Gunn diode is a PN junction diode, this sort of diode is a semiconductor device that has two terminals. Generally, it is used for producing microwave signals. Please refer the below link for Gunn Diode Working, Characteristics, and its Applications

Laser Diode

The laser diode is not the similar as the ordinary LED (light emitting diode) because it generates coherent light. These diodes are extensively used in many applications like DVDs, CD drives and laser light pointers for PPTs. Although these diodes are inexpensive than other types of laser generator, they are much more expensive than LEDs. They also have a partial life.Please refer the below link for: How to Make a Laser Pointer

Light Emitting Diode

The term LED stands for light emitting diode, is one of the most standard types of the diode. When the diode is connected in forwarding bias, then the current flows through the junction and generates the light. There are also many new LED developments are changing they are LEDs and OLEDs.Please refer the below link for: LED Light Sources

Photodiode

The photodiode is used to detect light. It is found that when light strikes a PN-junction it can create electrons and holes. Typically, photodiodes operate under reverse bias condition where even a small amount of flow of current resulting from the light can be simply noticed. These diodes can also be used to produce electricity.Please refer the below link for Photodiode Working Principle, and Its Characteristics

PIN Diode

This type of diode is characterized by its construction. It has the standard P-type & N-type regions, but the area between the two regions namely intrinsic semiconductor has no doping. The region of the intrinsic semiconductor has the effect of increasing the area of the depletion region which can be beneficial for switching applications.Please refer the below link for PIN Diode Basics, Working, and Its Applications.

PN Junction Diode

The standard PN junction may be thought of as the normal or standard type of diode in use today. These diodes can come as small signal types for use in RF (radio frequency), or other low current applications which may be called as signal diodes. Other types may be planned for high voltage and high current applications and are normally named rectifier diodes.Please refer the below link for PN Junction Diode Theory and VI Characteristics

Schottky Diode

The Schottky diode has a lower forward voltage drop than ordinary Si PN-junction diodes. At low currents, the voltage drop may be between 0.15 & 0.4 volts as opposed to 0.6 volts for a Si diode. To attain this performance they are designed in a different way to compare with normal diodes having a metal to semiconductor contact. These diodes are extensively used in rectifier application, clamping diodes, and also in RF applications.Please refer the below link for Schottky Diode Working and Applications

Step Recovery Diode

A step recovery diode is a type of microwave diode used to generate pulses at very HF (high frequencies). These diodes depend on the diode which has a very fast turn-off characteristic for their operation.

Tunnel Diode

The tunnel diode is used for microwave applications where its performance surpassed that of other devices of the day.Please refer the below link for Tunnel Diode Circuit with Operation and Its Applications.

Varactor Diode or Varicap Diode

A varactor diode is one sort of semiconductor microwave solid-state device and it is used in where the variable capacitance is chosen which can be accomplished by controlling voltage. These diodes are also called as variceal diodes. Even though the o/p of the variable capacitance can be exhibited by the normal PN-junction diodes.But, this diode is chosen for giving the preferred capacitance changes as they are different types of diodes. These diodes are precisely designed and enhanced such that they allow a high range of changes in capacitance. Please refer the below link for Varactor Diode Working and Its Applications.

Zener Diode

The Zener diode is used to provide a stable reference voltage. As a result, it is used in vast amounts. It works under reverse bias condition and found that when a particular voltage is reached it breaks down. If the flow of current is limited by a resistor, it activates a stable voltage to be generated. This type of diode is widely used to offer a reference voltage in power supplies. Please refer the below link for Zener Diode Circuit Working and Its Applications.

Thus, this is all about different types of diodes and its uses.We hope that you have got a better understanding of this concept or to implement electrical projects please give your valuable suggestions by commenting in the comment section below. Here is a question for you, What is the function of a diode?