Discrete diodes-those packaged in individual cases with externally accessible anode and cathode connections-arc commercially available in a wide range of types designed for different kinds of service and for a variety of applications. We find. for example, switching diodes designed specifically for use in logic circuit applications, like those discussed in the last section. These diodes typically have low power…

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As we indicated in Section 3-5, a diode is said to operate under large-signal conditions when the current and voltage changes it undergoes extend over a substantial portion of its characteristic curve, including portions where there is a significant change in slope. In every practical large-signal application, the diode is operated both in the region where it is well…

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Generally speaking, electronic devices can be considered to “operate” (be used) in one of two distinct kinds of applications: small signal and large signal. In small signal applications, the current and voltage changes in the device occur over a very limited range of its /- V characteristic curve. In other words, the quantities LlV and LlJ to which we…

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In virtually every practical de circuit containing a diode, there is one simplifying assumption we can make when the diode current is beyond the knee. We have seen (Figure 3-2, for example) that the /- V curve is essentially a vertical line above the knee. The implication of a vertical line on an /- V characteristic is that…

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The resistance we calculated in Section 3-2 using the relation t..VIM is called the ac (or dynamic) resistance of tbe diode. It is called ac resistance because we consicer the small change ill voltage, t..V, such as might be generated by an ac generator, causing a change in current, t..l. In using this graphical method to calculate the…

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INTRODUCTION In Chapter 2 we studied the construction and properties of a PN junction and mentioned that a semi conducror example of an electronic device that contains such a junction. A discrete diode is a single PN junction that has been fitted with an appropriate case (enclosure) and to which exteru.o / accessible leads have been attached. The leads…

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