What are the applications of Diodes ?
Answers
A diode is a semiconductor based device. It conducts current if the voltage in the forward bias is more than a certain value. There are different kinds of diodes with specific applications/uses. Zener diodes conduct electricity in the reverse direction also, due to a phenomenon called zener breakdown.
Optical (photo) diodes r used for telecommunication of digital communications using fiber optics. Zener Diodes are used to control voltage in voltage regulators. Diodes are used to switch a circuit on or off depending on voltage. So they are used in switching circuits.
Diodes are used for biasing voltage at the base of a common emitter transistor amplifier circuit. So they are used in amplifiers too.
LED light emitting diodes are used now in electronic displays. Nowadays LEDs are used in display screens of many electronic devices including TVs. LEDs are used for torches for torch light in the dark.
Nowadays LED lamps are being sold in retail market. They consume less power and give more light (more energy/power/intensity). LED light is less harmful.
Basically, a diode allows electricity ( or electric current) to flow in only One Direction.; from the anode to the cathode. This is like your bicycle pump which pushes air outwards and into the tyres, but does not draw air inwards from the tyres.
There are very many applications of diodes. Some of them are : -
Rectification - This involves conversion of Alternating Current ( which changes direction 50 or 60 times every second) to Direct Current (which flows in only one direction).Regulation - Keeping the DC voltage level at the input of a given circuit constant even if the supplied incoming voltage increases. Zener diodes are usually employed for this.Clipping - This involves keeping the amplitude of electronic signals within specified maximum and minimum values. This somewhat chops off the peaks and spikes of waveforms when viewed on an oscilloscope; hence the name clipping.