Semiconductors
What are diodes and rectifiers?
Two components that are essential to the operation of a vast range of electrical devices are diodes and rectifiers. Without them, the electrical current could flow back into other components, causing damage or total system failure.
A rectifier diode is a two-lead semiconductor that allows current to pass in only one direction. Generally, P-N junction Diode is formed by joining together n-type and p-type semiconductor materials.(Source: ©YouraPechkin - stock.adobe.com)
This article looks at the difference between diodes and rectifiers, their respective workings and applications.
As the simplest semiconductor device, diodes are usually two-pin components made from silicon or germanium. Their purpose is to allow current to flow in one direction while preventing it from flowing in the other. When installed in a larger system, the diode protects sensitive electronic parts from being subjected to the wrong amount or type of current.
A basic example: a TV remote has a compartment for two AA batteries. When the batteries are inserted correctly, the diode allows the current from the batteries to flow through the circuit in the remote, enabling the remote to be used correctly. When the batteries are inserted the wrong way around, however, the diode automatically blocks the current from leaving the batteries in the reverse direction. The remote will not work, but the sensitive electronics are safeguarded.
There are many types of semiconductor diode, including:
A rectifier is a special type of diode that converts alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC). This is an important process, as alternating current is able to reverse direction periodically, while direct current consistently flows in a single direction, making it simple to control. There are multiple types of rectifier, including:
Half-wave rectifiers: rectifiers that permit only half of the AC signal to pass from input to output.
Full-wave rectifiers: rectifiers that use the full signal, requiring the additional use of a transformer.
Positive half-cycle rectification: those where a top diode with positive polarity conducts current while a bottom one with negative polarity blocks it
Negative half-cycle rectification: those where the top diode is blocked and the bottom one is opened.
Domestic appliances generally contain a diode designed for single-phase rectification, meaning the supply voltage changes in unison. Industrial-scale motors and power grids, on the other hand, require multi-phase rectification, which allows for power generation, transmission and distribution at the same time.
As an integral part of a silicon chip, diodes are found in a huge range of electronic devices. In a microwave oven, for example, a diode works alongside a capacitor to double the voltage conveyed to the cavity magnetron (which generates the microwaves). Diodes are also used in keyboards as part of matrix circuits, which reduce the amount of wiring required. Researchers have even developed nano-scale diodes from a single DNA molecule, which may lead to even smaller, more powerful electronic devices in the near future.
Business E-mail
Please enter a valid mailadress.
By clicking on „Subscribe to Newsletter“ I agree to the processing and use of my data according to the consent form (please expand for details) and accept the Terms of Use. For more information, please see our Privacy Policy.
Unfold for details of your consent
It goes without saying that we treat your personal data responsibly. Where we collect personal data from you, we process the data in compliance with the relevant data protection regulations. More detailed information is available in our privacy policy.
I consent to the use of my email address to send editorial newsletters by Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH, Rotebühlstr. 83-85, 70178 Stuttgart, Germany including all of its affiliates within the meaning of Section 15 et seq. AktG (‘Mesago’). I have viewed lists of each group of affiliates here for the Mesago.
The content of the newsletter covers the products and services of all of the companies listed above including, for example, trade magazines and specialist books, events and exhibitions and event-related products and services, printed and digital media products and services such as additional (editorial) newsletters, competitions, lead campaigns, online and offline market research, technical web portals and e-learning courses. If my personal telephone number has also been collected, it may be used to send offers for the aforementioned products and services from the above companies, as well as for market research purposes.
If I wish to access protected content online on portals of Mesago including its affiliates within the meaning of Section 15 et seq. AktG, I must register with additional data in order to access that content. In return for this free access to editorial content, my data may be used in line with this declaration of consent for the purposes described herein.
I am aware that I can withdraw this consent at any time with future effect. My withdrawal of consent does not affect the lawfulness of processing performed based on my consent before its withdrawal. If I wish to withdraw my consent, I can send an email to Mesago at privacy@mesago.com. If I no longer wish to receive individual newsletters to which I have subscribed, I can also click on the unsubscribe link at the bottom of a newsletter. I can find more information on my right to withdraw, how to exercise this right and the consequences of my withdrawal in the Privacy policy Editorial newsletters section.
(ID:46387981)