PRE-LAB

OBJECTIVE:
To measure and observe the diode characteristics of forward and reverse biased
diodes.
PARTS LIST:
 1 – 390 1W
 1 – 100K
 3 – Diodes
 1 – 2K
 1 – 2 Meg

PRE-LAB:
Question 1-Using the diode equation, with n = 2, Is = 1.2x10-8 amp, and VT = 26mv,
calculate the diode current with Vd equal to 0.10 to 0.80 volts in 0.010 volt steps.
Suggest you set it up on a spreadsheet.
Procedure:
Connect the diode circuit as shown below and vary V to achieve the indicated values of
VD with the given values of R. Record the value of V and calculate ID

Fig 1-Circuit for measuring the forward biased diode characteristics

-BY using Diode Equation as per given values
𝑉𝑑
Where 𝐼𝐷 = 𝐼𝑆 [𝑒 𝑛𝑉𝑡 − 1]

ID = Diode Current
Is = Saturation Current
VD = Diode Voltage
VT = Terminal Voltage
n=Ideality factor
Table for ID Calculation:
IS (Amp) VD (Volt) VT (Volt) ID (Amp)
0.000000012 0.10 0.026 7.01037E-08
0.000000012 0.11 0.026 8.75133E-08
0.000000012 0.12 0.026 1.08614E-07
0.000000012 0.13 0.026 1.3419E-07
0.000000012 0.14 0.026 1.65189E-07
0.000000012 0.15 0.026 2.0276E-07
0.000000012 0.16 0.026 2.48299E-07
0.000000012 0.17 0.026 3.03493E-07
0.000000012 0.18 0.026 3.70392E-07
0.000000012 0.19 0.026 4.51475E-07
0.000000012 0.20 0.026 5.49752E-07
0.000000012 0.21 0.026 6.68868E-07
0.000000012 0.22 0.026 8.13241E-07
0.000000012 0.23 0.026 9.88228E-07
0.000000012 0.24 0.026 1.20032E-06
0.000000012 0.25 0.026 1.45738E-06
0.000000012 0.26 0.026 1.76896E-06
0.000000012 0.27 0.026 2.1466E-06
0.000000012 0.28 0.026 2.60431E-06
0.000000012 0.29 0.026 3.15909E-06
0.000000012 0.30 0.026 3.8315E-06
0.000000012 0.31 0.026 4.64648E-06
0.000000012 0.32 0.026 5.63428E-06
0.000000012 0.33 0.026 6.83154E-06
0.000000012 0.34 0.026 8.28267E-06
0.000000012 0.35 0.026 1.00415E-05
0.000000012 0.36 0.026 1.21733E-05
0.000000012 0.37 0.026 1.47571E-05
0.000000012 0.38 0.026 1.78888E-05
0.000000012 0.39 0.026 2.16845E-05
0.000000012 0.40 0.026 2.62851E-05
0.000000012 0.41 0.026 3.18612E-05
0.000000012 0.42 0.026 3.86197E-05
0.000000012 0.43 0.026 4.68114E-05
0.000000012 0.44 0.026 5.67399E-05
0.000000012 0.45 0.026 6.87738E-05
0.000000012 0.46 0.026 8.33594E-05
0.000000012 0.47 0.026 0.000101038
0.000000012 0.48 0.026 0.000122465
0.000000012 0.49 0.026 0.000148435
0.000000012 0.50 0.026 0.000179912
0.000000012 0.51 0.026 0.000218064
0.000000012 0.52 0.026 0.000264306
0.000000012 0.53 0.026 0.000320352
0.000000012 0.54 0.026 0.000388284
 0.000000012 0.55 0.026 0.000470619
0.000000012 0.56 0.026 0.000570413
0.000000012 0.57 0.026 0.000691368
0.000000012 0.58 0.026 0.000837971
0.000000012 0.59 0.026 0.001015659
0.000000012 0.60 0.026 0.001231026
0.000000012 0.61 0.026 0.001492059
0.000000012 0.62 0.026 0.001808443
0.000000012 0.63 0.026 0.002191914
0.000000012 0.64 0.026 0.002656698
0.000000012 0.65 0.026 0.003220035
0.000000012 0.66 0.026 0.003902825
0.000000012 0.67 0.026 0.004730396
0.000000012 0.68 0.026 0.005733448
0.000000012 0.69 0.026 0.00694919
0.000000012 0.70 0.026 0.008422723
0.000000012 0.71 0.026 0.010208708
0.000000012 0.72 0.026 0.0123734
0.000000012 0.73 0.026 0.0149971
0.000000012 0.74 0.026 0.018177138
0.000000012 0.75 0.026 0.022031483
0.000000012 0.76 0.026 0.026703116
0.000000012 0.77 0.026 0.032365338
0.000000012 0.78 0.026 0.039228196
0.000000012 0.79 0.026 0.047546279
0.000000012 0.80 0.026 0.057628156

Question 2-Using the diode characteristics calculated in Part 1, calculate the values of
V1, V2, and V3 for Part 2 of the procedure. Assume identical diodes (all diode drops
are equal). Hint: Assume a value for V3 and calculate the current in the 2K. Using the
calculations from Part 1, “look up” the corresponding diode drops and calculate V. If it
doesn’t match the desired V, select another value of V3 and repeat the process. Show
your detailed calculations for the case when V equals 5 volts.
Procedure:
Adjust V to the values shown and measure / record V1, V2, and V3. From this data
calculate the value of ID.

Fig 2-Circuit for measuring forward voltage drops of diodes in series.

For Input Voltage 1V:

Assume all diodes are of Silicon so the voltage drop across the diodes D1, D2 & D3
are given below
D1=0.7 Volts So, V1=+0.3V
D2=0.7 Volts So, V2= -0.4
D3= 0.7 Volts So, V3= -1.1
According to ohm’s law diode current can be calculated
V=ID*R
𝑽 𝟎
𝑰𝑫 = = ≅ 𝟎𝒖𝑨
𝑹 𝟐𝟎𝟎𝟎

For Input Voltage 2V:

Assume all diodes are of Silicon so the voltage drop across the diodes D1, D2 & D3
are given below
D1=0.7 Volts So, V1=1.3V
D2=0.7 Volts So, V2=0.6V
D3= 0.7 Volts So, V3=-0.1V
According to ohm’s law diode current can be calculated
V=ID*R
𝑽 𝟎
𝑰𝑫 = = ≅ 𝟎𝒖𝑨
𝑹 𝟐𝟎𝟎𝟎
For Input Voltage 5V:
Assume all diodes are of Silicon so the voltage drop across the diodes D1, D2 & D3
are given below
D1=0.7 Volts So, V1=4.3V
D2=0.7 Volts So, V2=3.6V
D3= 0.7 Volts So, V3=2.9V
According to ohm’s law diode current can be calculated
V=ID*R
𝑽 𝟐. 𝟗
𝑰𝑫 = = = 𝟏. 𝟒𝟓𝒎𝑨
𝑹 𝟐𝟎𝟎𝟎

For Input Voltage 10V:

Assume all diodes are of Silicon so the voltage drop across the diodes D1, D2 & D3
are given below
D1=0.7 Volts So, V1=9.3V
D2=0.7 Volts So, V2=8.6V
D3= 0.7 Volts So, V3=7.9V
According to ohm’s law diode current can be calculated
V=ID*R
𝑽 𝟕. 𝟗
𝑰𝑫 = = = 𝟑. 𝟗𝟓𝒎𝑨
𝑹 𝟐𝟎𝟎𝟎

For Input Voltage 10V:

Assume all diodes are of Silicon so the voltage drop across the diodes D1, D2 & D3
are given below
D1=0.7 Volts So, V1=19.3V
 D2=0.7 Volts So, V2=18.6V
D3= 0.7 Volts So, V3=17.9V
According to ohm’s law diode current can be calculated
V=ID*R
𝑽 𝟏𝟕. 𝟗
𝑰𝑫 = = = 𝟖. 𝟗𝟓𝒎𝑨
𝑹 𝟐𝟎𝟎𝟎
Simulation Results AT 5V:

Table 2-Voltage & Current Calculation across Diodes

Vs V1 V2 V3 ID
1V 0.3V -0.4V -1.1V 0uA
2V 1.3 0.6 -0.1 0uA
5V 4.3 3.6 2.9 1.45mA
10V 9.3 8.6 7.9 3.95mA
20V 19.3 18.6 17.9 8.95mA

Question 3-Measure and record the value of Vr for the values of V given. From this
data calculate the value of ID and show the current direction on the schematic.
 Figure 4- Circuit for measuring the reversed bias diode characteristics
Solution:
According to above figure it could see that diode is in Reverse Biased condition so acting as
open circuit until we do not apply negative voltage across its cathode. By applying Diode
Equation we can measure Resistor voltages.
Diode Equation:
𝑽𝒅
𝑰𝑫 = 𝑰𝑺 𝒏𝑽
[𝒆 𝒕 − 𝟏]

For Reverse Biase:

Whatever voltages we apply voltages current almost become zero can be prove by Diode
Equation.

𝑰𝑫 ≅ 𝑰𝑺 (Reverse Saturation
Current)
Also we know that generally 𝐼𝑆 is in 10nA. So,
𝑰𝑫 = 𝟏𝟎𝒏𝑨
So for every value of Voltages Vr would be in fV etc. Like
Simulation Results AT 10V:

Table 3 Voltage Calculation across Resistor

 V Vr
10V 20.02fV
20 40.02fV

Question 4-Build the circuit designed in Pre-Lab 4 and sketch Vo in time relation with
the input.

Figure 6: Microcap simulation of the design

Procedure:
First of all open Microcap Simulation software make general circuit of Diode & Resistor
then measure values across output resistor .Apply Transient response & draw graph. As
amplitude of Sin wave is 10 times of Sin wave to limit this voltage add resistor of 1.725k
behind Diode which generate 5V of sin wave as per manual requirements. This
simulation can see below

Figure 7: Simulation Diagram for 5V Circuit Designing

 Figure 8: Output Graph across Resistor for 5V designed Circuit

CONCLUSION:
By performing this experiment I observed characteristic of Diode Resistor circuit &
their response at different reference voltages. I understand how to use Microcap
simulation software to draw any electronics circuit to check its deep response.
Furthermore, I concluded that how to design any desired circuit in Microcap software
etc.
 POST-LAB
POST-LAB:
Question 1-Using the diode equation, with n = 2, Is = 1.2x10-8 amp, and VT = 26mv,
calculate the diode current with Vd equal to 0.10 to 0.80 volts in 0.010 volt steps.
Suggest you set it up on a spreadsheet.
Procedure:
Connect the diode circuit as shown below and vary V to achieve the indicated values of
VD with the given values of R. Record the value of V and calculate ID

Fig 1-Circuit for measuring the forward biased diode characteristics

-BY using Diode Equation as per given values
𝑉𝑑
𝐼𝐷 = 𝐼𝑆 𝑛𝑉
[𝑒 𝑡 − 1]

Table for ID Calculation:

R VD V Id Is
100K 0.1 0.144 6E-07 1.2E-8
100K 0.2 0.25 3E-07 1.2E-8
100K 0.3 0.34 7E-07 1.2E-8
100K 0.4 0.45 7E-08 1.2E-8
100K 0.5 0.57 5E-07 1.2E-8
390 1W 0.6 0.65 4E-05 1.2E-8
390 1W 0.7 0.734 9E-05 1.2E-8
390 1W 0.75 0.79 10E-05 1.2E-8
390 1W 0.8 0.833 2E-04 1.2E-8
Question 2-Using the diode characteristics calculated in Part 1, calculate the values of
V1, V2, and V3 for Part 2 of the procedure. Assume identical diodes (all diode drops
are equal). Hint: Assume a value for V3 and calculate the current in the 2K. Using the
calculations from Part 1, “look up” the corresponding diode drops and calculate V. If it
doesn’t match the desired V, select another value of V3 and repeat the process. Show
your detailed calculations for the case when V equals 5 volts.
Procedure:
Adjust V to the values shown and measure / record V1, V2, and V3. From this data
calculate the value of ID.

Fig 2-Circuit for measuring forward voltage drops of diodes in series.

Table 2-Voltage Calculation across Diodes

Vs V1 V2 V3
1V 1 0.687 0.35
2V 1.99 1.43 0.94
5V 5 4.37 3.74
10V 10.01 9.35 8.55
20V 20.03 19.3 18.53

Question 3-Measure and record the value of Vr for the values of V given. From this
data calculate the value of ID and show the current direction on the schematic.

Figure 4- Circuit for measuring the reversed bias diode characteristics

Table 3 Voltage Calculation across Resistor
V Vr
10V 20.02fV
20 40.02fV

Question 4-Build the circuit designed in Pre-Lab 4 and sketch Vo in time relation with
the input.

Figure 6: Microcap simulation of the design

Procedure:

CONCLUSION:
In this experiment I observed characteristic of Diode Resistor circuit & their response
at different reference voltages. I see diversity of current in corresponding circuit at
different voltages level. I understand how to use Microcap simulation software to draw
any electronics circuit to check its deep response. Furthermore, the calculations values
for my pre-lab & extremely same like practical obtained values etc.
 Post-LAB Questions
Q1. Calculate the value of n and Is from the data taken in Part 1 of the procedure Use
the diode current data at 0.70 and 0.60 volts for the calculations.
𝑽𝒅
𝑰𝑫 = 𝑰𝑺 𝒏𝑽
[𝒆 𝒕 − 𝟏]

From above Formula

𝑽𝒅
𝒏=
𝑰
𝑽𝑻 𝒍𝒏 ( 𝒅 + 𝟏)
𝑰𝑺
𝑭𝒐𝒓 𝑽𝒅 = 𝟎. 𝟔𝟎
𝐼𝐷 = 4E − 05
𝐼𝑠 = 1.2E − 08
𝑉𝑇 = 0.65
𝒏𝟏 = 𝟎. 𝟏𝟏𝟑𝟕
𝑭𝒐𝒓 𝑽𝒅 = 𝟎. 𝟕𝟎
𝐼𝐷 = 9E − 05
𝐼𝑠 = 1.2E − 08
𝑉𝑇 = 0.734
𝒏𝟐 = 𝟎. 𝟏𝟎𝟔𝟖
Q2.Fill in the chart below using the data from part 2 of the procedure.
Solution:
Vs V1 V2 V3 Id
1V 0.99 0.687 0.35 16.2uA
2V 1.93 1.43 0.94 292.28uA
5V 4.3 3.6 2.99 1.657mA
10V 9.03 9.35 8.21 4.087mA
20V 19.3 18.69 18.53 9.024mA
Q3: Using the diode parameters calculated in question 1, calculate the reverse current
of the diode with 20 volts applied per the circuit of Fig 3-3.
Solution:
As we know that In case of Reverse biased when voltages applied to anode of Diode it
get open & overall voltages drop across diode becomes Vs. From Diode Equation
𝑽𝒅
𝑰𝑫 = 𝑰𝑺 𝒏𝑽
[𝒆 𝒕 − 𝟏]

𝐼𝐷 ≅ 𝐼𝑆 (Reverse Saturation Current)

So In this case Reverse Current passing through would be approximately in neno
Ampere.
𝑰𝒓 = 𝟐𝟕. 𝟕𝟓𝒏𝑨