Help Understanding Circuit Requirements for Conducting Diode

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the circuit requirements for a diode to conduct, specifically focusing on the voltage conditions at a certain point in the circuit. Participants are analyzing the equations related to the voltage and current through resistors in the circuit.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the reasoning behind the equation used to determine the minimum required input voltage, Vin, to achieve 0.6V at point X, specifically why the equation is structured as (0.6-(-10))/2.2x10^3.
  • Another participant suggests returning to basic principles, recommending the use of Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL) to clarify the circuit analysis.
  • A third participant agrees with the initial query, indicating that it seems like an addition rather than a subtraction, and reinforces the idea of confirming intuition with KVL.
  • There is a suggestion that the participant's alternative formulation of the equation could yield the same result, but this is not definitively resolved.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express confusion over the equation's structure, indicating a lack of consensus on the correct interpretation of the voltage relationships in the circuit. Multiple competing views remain regarding the correct approach to analyzing the circuit.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully resolved the assumptions regarding the voltage polarities and the application of KVL in this context, leaving some steps in the analysis unclear.

zsolt2
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Hi all. I need some help with the circuit attached.
For the diode to conduct, at point X the voltage must be 0.6V minimum. There is an equation to find the minimum required voltage input, Vin to give 0.6V at X. What I don't understand is the right hand side of the equation; why is it:
(0.6-(-10))/2.2x10^3
why subtract 10 out of 0.6 and not the other way around? I understand that ((Vin-0.6)/10^3) is the current developed in the 1k resistor and (0.6-(-10))/2.2x10^3 is the current in the 2.2k resistor. So the 0.6V is coming from the 1k towards the diode and the 2.2k resistor where it meets with -10V. Shouldn't the 0.6 be subtracted from the -10V then?
what I thought is that it supposed to be:
((Vin-0.6)/10^3) + (-10-0.6)/2.2x10^3
((Vin-0.6)/10^3) + -10.6/2.2x10^3
((Vin-0.6)/10^3) - 10.6/2.2x10^3
((Vin-0.6)/10^3) = 10.6/2.2x10^3

It will give the same result as the equation provided. Can you explain the circuit a bit and that where did I go wrong?
Thank you!
 

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zsolt2 said:
What I don't understand is the right hand side of the equation; why is it:
(0.6-(-10))/2.2x10^3

Always go back to your basics
draw in currents and polarities then write KVL

KVLdemo .jpg
 

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zsolt2 said:
What I don't understand is the right hand side of the equation; why is it:
(0.6-(-10))/2.2x10^3

upload_2018-12-28_14-41-55.png


looks to me like an addition not a subtraction
and i think that's what you said
zsolt2 said:
Shouldn't the 0.6 be subtracted from the -10V then?

Your intuition was right
form the habit of confirming your intuition with KVL

old jim
 

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Thank you Jim!
 
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