Redbelly98 said:Google "diode equation"
dancavallaro said:I found the diode equation, but I think it's overkill for my needs. Mapes, and the link berekman posted, helped a lot for my purposes. The only thing I don't get now though, is what happens when the diode is hooked up with no resistor. Is the current 0, or is it infinite? I'm inclined to say that it would be "infinite", but is that right?
Diodes are electronic components that allow current to flow in only one direction. They are made of semiconductor material, which has a specific band gap that determines the direction of current flow. When a voltage is applied in the forward direction, the diode conducts current, but when the voltage is applied in the reverse direction, the diode blocks current flow.
Diodes are used in circuits for a variety of reasons, including rectifying AC signals into DC signals, protecting circuits from reverse voltage, and controlling the flow of current in a specific direction. They are also used in voltage regulators, signal demodulators, and power supplies.
To analyze a circuit with diodes, you can use Kirchhoff's circuit laws, Ohm's law, and the diode current-voltage relationship. You can also use circuit analysis techniques such as nodal analysis and mesh analysis. It is important to understand how diodes behave in different circuit configurations, such as series and parallel, and to consider the voltage and current limitations of the diode.
Ideal diodes are theoretical components that have a perfect current-voltage relationship and do not have any limitations. They conduct current in the forward direction and block it in the reverse direction. Real diodes, on the other hand, have imperfections and limitations, such as a threshold voltage and a maximum reverse voltage rating. These limitations must be taken into account when analyzing circuits with real diodes.
Temperature can affect diode behavior by changing the band gap and altering the diode's current-voltage relationship. As the temperature increases, the band gap decreases, causing the diode to conduct more current in the reverse direction. Light can also affect diode behavior, as some diodes are photo-sensitive and can produce a current when exposed to light. This property is used in solar cells and light sensors.