AIR UNIVERSITY

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING

EXPERIMENT NO 2

Lab Title: DIODE CHARACTERISTICS AND BASIC GATES

Student Name: Tawab Ahmad Reg. No: 220626

Objective:
• To recognize diodes in various physical forms.
• To learn the working of PN junction diode in Forward and Reverse bias.
• To plot the characteristics curve of PN junction diode in Forward & Reverse bias.
• To study the I-V characteristics of diode.
• To study the application of diode as OR and AND gate.

Equipment Required:
• DMM
• Bread Board
• Diodes
• Resistor
• Bulb
• Wires
LAB ASSESSMENT:

Excellent Good Average Satisfactory Unsatisfactory

Attributes
(5) (4) (3) (2) (1)
Ability to Conduct
Experiment
Ability to assimilate the
results
Effective use of lab
equipment and follows
the lab safety rules

Total Marks: Obtained Marks:

LAB REPORT ASSESSMENT:

Excellent Good Average Satisfactory Unsatisfactory
Attributes
(5) (4) (3) (2) (1)

Data presentation

Experimental results

Conclusion
 LABORATORY
EXPERIMENT
NO. 2

DIODE CHARACTERISTICS
AND BASIC GATES

OBJECTIVE
1. To recognize diodes in various physical forms.
2. To learn the working of PN junction diode in Forward and Reverse bias.
3. To plot the characteristics curve of PN junction diode in Forward & Reverse bias.
4. To study the I-V characteristics of diode.
5. To study the application of diode as OR and AND gate.

DISCUSSION
Theory of Diode:

A diode is a two-terminal electronic component that conducts current primarily in one direction
(asymmetric conductance); it has low (ideally zero) resistance in one direction, and high (ideally
infinite) resistance in the other. The positive terminal of the diode is called the anode and the
negative terminal the cathode as shown in Fig.1.

Fig. 1 A Simple Diode Symbol

The most common function of a diode is to allow an electric current to pass in one direction (called
the diode's forward direction), while blocking it in the opposite direction (the reverse direction).
A more precise diagram of a diode is shown in Fig.2.
 Fig. 2 Diode Representations

Forward Bias:

When a diode is connected as shown in Fig.3, it is known as FORWARD BIASED Connection.

In this mode it will conduct and current flows through the circuit. A forward-biased diode is said
to be turned on, or simply on.

Fig. 3 A Forward Biased Connection

For the forward bias of a P-N junction, P-type is connected to the positive terminal while the N-
type is connected to the negative terminal of a battery. The potential at P-N junction can be varied
with the help of potential divider. At some forward voltage (0.3 V for Ge and 0.7V for Si) the
potential barrier is altogether eliminated and current starts flowing. This voltage is known as
threshold voltage (Vth) or cut in voltage or knee voltage. It is practically same as barrier voltage
VB. For V<Vth, the current flow is negligible. As the forward applied voltage increases beyond
threshold voltage, the forward current rises exponentially.
Reverse Bias:

When a diode is connected as shown in Fig.4, it is known as REVERSE BIASED connection. In

this mode it will not conduct and no current flows through the circuit. An ideal diode has zero
current when operated in the reverse direction and is said to be cut off, or simply off.

Fig. 4 A Reverse Biased Connection

For the reverse bias of p-n junction, P-type is connected to the negative terminal while N-type is
connected to the positive terminal of a battery. Under normal reverse voltage, a very little reverse
current flows through a P-N junction. But when the reverse voltage is increased, a point is reached
when the junction breaks down with sudden rise in reverse current. The critical value of the voltage
is known as break down (VBR). The break down voltage is defined as the reverse voltage at which
P-N junction breakdown with sudden rise in reverse current.

Classification of Diodes:
Conventional diodes can be divided into two groups as follows:
• Signal diodes
• Power diodes
Signal diodes are generally used in low-voltage and low-current applications where speed and
a large backward-to-forward resistance ratio are of significant importance (i.e., wave-shaping
circuits). Their packages are generally the size of a quarter-watt resistor and are made of glass,
ceramic, or plastic.
On the other hand, power diode applications are generally limited to the various rectifier
circuits. Their function is to convert ac power to dc power. The more important characteristics of
the power diodes are their ability to withstand large currents, dissipate power, and withstand large
peak inverse voltages. Power diodes are generally made of plastic or metal, and package size varies
dramatically with the current carrying and power dissipation capability of the diode.

The DMM Method for Diode Testing:

A quick way to determine whether a diode is defective or not, is to use DMM in diode mode.
• The diode is put in forward bias and the voltage drop across the diode is measured,
using a Multimeter. A normally working diode will allow current to flow in forward
 bias and must have voltage drop. If the displayed voltage value is in between 0.6 to 0.7
(for a Silicon Diode), then the diode is healthy and perfect. For Germanium Diodes,
this value is in between 0.25 to 0.3.
• Now, reverse the terminals of the meter i.e., connect the red probe to cathode and black
to anode. This is the reverse biased condition of the diode where no current flows
through it. Hence, the meter should read OL or 1 (which is equivalent to open circuit)
if the diode is healthy.

Theory of OR Gate:
The Logic OR Gate is a type of digital logic circuit whose output goes HIGH to a logic level 1
only when any one or more of its inputs are HIGH. The output will be to a logic 0 when all of its
inputs are LOW. By using diode, we can construct OR gate as shown in Fig.5 (a).
Theory of AND Gate:
The Logic AND Gate is a type of digital logic circuit whose output goes HIGH to a logic level 1
only when all its inputs are HIGH. The output will be to a logic 0 if any one or more inputs are
LOW. By using diode, we can construct AND gate as shown in Fig.5 (b).

Fig. 5 Diode as (a) OR Gate, (b) AND gate

LAB TASK 1
• Connect the circuit in forward biased direction as shown in Fig.3.
• Change the supply voltage from 0.1V to 12V as shown in table. I.
• Observe the values of resister voltage, diode voltage and current passing through it using
multimeter.
• Write down these values for same supply voltage in tabular form.
• Make graph using these values to show the I-V characteristics curve of diode in Forward
bias region.
Hardware Simulation:

Proteus Simulation:
LAB TASK 2
• Connect the circuit in Reversed biased direction as shown in Fig.4.
• Change the supply voltage from 0 Vdc to 26 Vdc with a step of 2 V as shown in table. I.
• Observe the value of resistor and diode voltage and current passing through it using
multimeter.
• Write down these values for same supply voltage in tabular form.

Hardware Simulation:

Proteus Simulation:
RESULTS

Fill the below table by getting the values from the circuit.

For Forward Biased For Reverse Biased

Vin (V) VR (V) VD (V) ID (mA) Vin (V) VR (V) VD (V) ID (mA)
0.1 0 179.1mV 0 2 1.22 0.78 26.2
0.2 0 200.2mV 0 4 3.20 0.80 122
0.3 0 0.38 0 6 4.19 0.81 419
0.4 0.4 0.44 0.11 8 7.17 0.83 320
0.5 2.4 0.54 0.32 10 9.17 0.83 717
0.6 8.8 0.62 1.11 12 11.12 0.84 917
0.7 40.7 0.67 5.35 14 13.2 0.84 1.12 V
1 195.8 0.74 22.15 16 15.2 0.84 1.32
2 0.9 0.79 91.7 18 17.2 0.85 1.52
5 3.55 0.82 0.3 20 19.1 0.85 1.72
7 5.21 0.84 0.2 22 21.1 0.85 1.91
10 7.81 0.85 0.5 24 23.1 0.86 2.11
12 9.64 0.85 0.7 26 25.1 0.86 2.5

Table 1: Values for Diode's I-V Characteristics

From the above readings, draw I-V curve below.

LAB TASK 3
• Connect the circuit for OR gate as shown in Fig.5(a) by taking R=1kΩ.
• Apply the different input voltage combinations given in volts as shown in Table II.
• Record the output voltage and fill in the readings in Table II.

Hardware Simulation:

Proteus Simulation:
LAB TASK 4
• Connect the circuit for AND gate as shown in Fig.5(b) by taking R=1kΩ.
• Apply the different input voltage combinations given in volts as shown in Table II.
• Record the output voltage and fill in the readings in Table II.

Hardware Simulation:
Proteus Simulation:
 RESULTS

A B C 𝒗𝜸 = 𝑨 + 𝑩 + 𝑪 𝒗𝜸 = 𝑨. 𝑩. 𝑪
0 0 0 0 0
0 0 5 5 0
0 5 0 5 0
0 5 5 5 0
5 0 0 5 0
5 0 5 5 0
5 5 0 5 0
5 5 5 5 5

Table I: Truth Table of 3 Input OR and AND Gate

CONCLUSION

In this lab we learned about the diodes, their function and there use in the circuit.
How we can use them to achieve different results.
we experimentally calculated the voltage difference across the circuit as well as across the diodes
and the current as well.
We also made logic gates by using the diodes and compare the results with the table we know from
the previous classes
At last we conclude that the values we get from the experiment and the table both satisfies each
other.
 Questions
Q1. How can we test a diode by using Ohmmeter?
To test a diode using an ohmmeter:

• Set the ohmmeter to its resistance (ohms) mode.

• Connect the positive (red) probe of the ohmmeter to the anode (the end of the diode with a
stripe or line).
• Connect the negative (black) probe to the cathode (the other end).
• Observe the ohmmeter reading if it shows a low resistance the diode is conducting properly
in the forward bias direction, and it's likely functioning correctly.
• If it shows a high resistance the diode is not conducting in the forward bias direction,
indicating a potential issue or a reverse-biased diode.
• To test the reverse bias direction, reverse the probe connections
This simple test helps determine if the diode is functional or faulty.

Q2. What will be the voltage value across diode in Forward biased mode (When diode is
turnedon)?
In forward biased mode (when the diode is turned on), the voltage across the diode is typically
around 0.7 volts for a standard diode.

Q3. What will be the current value in circuit when diode is in Forward biased mode (When
diodeis turned on)?

Q4. Write any three applications of diodes?

• Rectification: Diodes are used to convert alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC) in
power supplies and electronic devices.
• Signal Clipping: Diodes can limit the amplitude of signals by clipping off the voltage above a
certain threshold, useful in audio and RF circuits.
• Voltage Regulation: Diodes can be employed in voltage regulation circuits to stabilize
voltage levels in power supplies and protect against voltage spikes.