It is a electronic componentalso called rectifier, belonging to the semiconductor family, and whose function is based on allowing the flow of current in only one directionin the circuit. In addition, they also change alternating current (AC) to pulsating direct current (CC).

This element has two terminals or poles, an anode (positive) and a cathode (negative), formed by different materials that will allow or not the passage of energy depending on the area through which it arrives.

Características y composición de los diodos

What is a diode made of? As we have already said, it has two terminals of positive and negative energy, formed by different materials called “P” and “N”, and positioned at the ends of a capsule that joins them, which have their own qualities.

• Type P: This is a material that is achieved by “doping”, or adding atoms to the semiconductor in order to increase the positive charge carriers.
• Type N: This semiconductor is obtained in the same way as the previous one, only that the increased charges would be negative.

Diodes have a specific function in circuits: to polarize the electric current so that it flows only in one direction. However, this can be done in two different ways, direct and reverse.

Direct polarization

In this operating model, the anode is connected to the voltage sourceand the cathode to the negative side, and in this way the anode is connected to the voltage source and the cathode to the negative side. semiconductor. acts as a closed switch for the current.

Reverse polarization

On the other hand, in the reverse it is the anode that is connected to the negative of the power supply, while the cathode to the positive, thus allowing the resistance to increase exponentially and act as an open switch.

In the market we can find a great variety of diodes, differentiated among them by their physical aspect, the use of electrons, or the special function that they can exert within an electrical circuit.

LED diode

It is a diode composed of a light source, which emits photons when it receives a low intensity current. However, for this to flow, it is necessary for them to be directly polarized.

Zener diode

They are those diodes used to maintain a fixed and constant voltage by means of reverse polarization, and which have been created with the objective of working independently while maintaining safety.

Rectifier diode

Diodes can also be called rectifiers when their function is to transform alternating current into direct current, letting only the positive or negative half pass to the other side.

Signal diode

They are those used in circuits to process weaker electrical signals of up to 100 mA, as opposed to rectifier diodes, which are used for high power.

Protection diode for relays

It is responsible for protecting transistors and integrated circuits, since the coil creates a constant magnetic field when it has been energized, resulting in a high voltage when the current stops flowing.

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