Chapter 2 – Diode and Their Application

Part 1: Diodes
Q. State the symbol of PN junction Diode?
Ans:

 A diode is a two-terminal electronic semiconductor device.

 The anode which is the positive terminal of a diode is represented with A and the cathode,
which is the negative terminal is represented with K.
 The cathode is marked with a silver colour or colour band.

Q. Explain the Construction of PN Junction Diode?

Ans:

 If a P-type and an N-type material are brought close to each other, both of them join to form
a junction, as shown in the figure below.
 A P-type material has holes as the majority carriers and an N-type material has electrons as
the majority carriers.
 As opposite charges attract, few holes in P-type tend to go to n-side, whereas few electrons
in N-type tend to go to P-side.
 As both of them travel towards the junction, holes and electrons recombine with each other
to neutralize and forms ions.
 Now, in this junction, there exists a region where the positive and negative ions are formed,
called as PN junction or junction barrier or depletion region as shown in the figure.
 This Depletion region prevents further movement of holes and electrons through the
junction.

Compiled by Mrs. Tanvi G.

 Chapter 2 – Diode and Their Application

Q. Explain the working of PN junction Diode? / Explain the biasing used in PN junction
Diode?
Ans:
A) Forward Bias

 Positive terminal of the battery is connected to P-side and negative terminal to N-side it is
called forward biasing
 Electrons from N-side and holes from P-side are pushed towards the junction.
 Due to this the depletion layer’s width decreases, and the current starts flowing through the
diode.
 The Diode conduct current if applied voltage is above 0.7V for silicon and 0.3V for
germanium.

B) Reverse Bias

 Positive terminal of the battery is connected to N-side and negative terminal to P-side, it is
known as reverse biasing.
 Free electrons and holes move away from the junction. Hence, increasing the width of
depletion layer.
 There is no current flowing in the PN junction diode.
 As the applied reverse voltage is increased, very small amount of current flows through the
diode due to the minority charge carrier. This current is called reverse saturation current.

Compiled by Mrs. Tanvi G.

 Chapter 2 – Diode and Their Application

Q. Explain the VI characteristic of PN junction diode?

Ans:

Forward V-I characteristics of p-n junction diode

 When the external voltage applied on the silicon diode reaches 0.7 volts, the p-n junction
diode starts allowing large electric current through it.
 The forward voltage at which the silicon diode starts allowing large electric current is called
cut-in voltage or Knee voltage.

Reverse V-I characteristics of p-n junction diode

 If the external reverse voltage applied on the p-n junction diode is increased, the free
electrons from the n-type semiconductor and the holes from the p-type semiconductor are
moved away from the p-n junction. No currents flow through diode.
 However, it allows the minority charge carrier current. The electric current, which is carried
by the minority charge carriers in the p-n junction diode, is called reverse current.

Compiled by Mrs. Tanvi G.

 Chapter 2 – Diode and Their Application

Part 2: Rectifiers
Q. Explain the block diagram of Regulated DC power supply?
Ans:

 Transformer − An input transformer is used for the stepping down of the 230v
AC power supply.

 Rectifier − A Rectifier circuit are used to convert the AC components present in the signal to
DC components. The main component used in Rectifiers are diodes due to its switching
action.

 Filter − Filters are used to eliminate or filter-out the unwanted ripples from the rectified
output. Filters play an important role in dc Power supplies, they make the pulsating dc steady

 Voltage Regulator − Voltage Regulators are used to regulate the output Voltage over load.
They make the Voltage unvaried with load connected to it. This will eliminate the remaining
ripples from the filter output.

Q. Define Rectifiers and state the need of Rectifiers.

Ans:
Definition:
A rectifier is an electrical device that converts an Alternating Current (AC) into a Direct
Current (DC) by using one or more P-N junction diodes.

Need:

Compiled by Mrs. Tanvi G.

 Chapter 2 – Diode and Their Application

To power any circuit, a power supply is needed; and if you want to power electronic devices
from an AC supply, a rectifier is needed.

 Types of Rectifiers

Q. Explain construction and working of Half Wave Rectifier with waveforms?

Ans:
Construction:
 It is made up of an AC source, transformer (step-down), diode, and resistor (load). The diode is
placed between the transformer and resistor (load).

Working:
 When high AC voltage is applied, the step-down transformer reduces this high voltage into low
voltage.
 During the positive half cycle of the signal, the diode is forward biased and allows electric
current.
 During the negative half cycle, the diode is reverse biased and blocks electric current.

Waveforms:

Compiled by Mrs. Tanvi G.

 Chapter 2 – Diode and Their Application

Q. Explain the construction and operation of Centre tapped full wave rectifier (CT
FWR) with waveforms?
Ans:
Construction:

 The center tapped full wave rectifier is made up of an AC source, a centre tapped transformer,
two diodes, and a load resistor.
 The upper part of the secondary winding is connected to the diode D1 and the lower part of the
secondary winding is connected to the diode D2. Both diode D1 and diode D2 are connected to a
common load RL.

Working:

 During the positive half cycle of the input voltage, the point A at the transformer secondary
becomes positive with respect to the point B. This makes the diode D1 forward biased. Hence
current I1 flows through the load resistor. We now have the positive half cycles in the output.
 When the negative half cycle of the input voltage is applied, the point A at the transformer
secondary becomes negative with respect to the point B. This makes the diode D2 forward
biased. Hence current I2 flows through the load resistor. We now have the positive half cycles in
the output, even during the negative half cycles of the input.
Waveforms:

Compiled by Mrs. Tanvi G.

 Chapter 2 – Diode and Their Application

Q. Explain the construction and operation of Bridge full wave rectifier (B FWR) with
waveforms?
Ans:
Construction:

 The bridge rectifier is made up of four diodes namely D1, D2, D3, D4 and load resistor RL.
 The four diodes are connected in a closed loop (Bridge) configuration to efficiently convert the
Alternating Current (AC) into Direct Current (DC).
 The main advantage of this bridge circuit configuration is that we do not require an expensive
center tapped transformer, thereby reducing its cost and size.

Working:

 When input AC signal is applied across the bridge rectifier, during the positive half cycle, the
terminal A becomes positive while the terminal B becomes negative. This causes the diodes D1
and D3 forward biased and allows electric current while the diodes D2 and D4are reverse biased
and blocks electric current. The current flow direction during the positive half cycle.
 During the negative half cycle, the terminal B becomes positive while the terminal A becomes
negative. This cause the diode D2 and D4 are forward biased and allows electric current while
diodes D1 and D3are reverse biased and blocks electric current. The current flow direction during
negative half cycle.

Compiled by Mrs. Tanvi G.

 Chapter 2 – Diode and Their Application

 Thus, a bridge rectifier allows electric current during both positive and negative half cycles of the
input AC signal.
Waveforms:

Compiled by Mrs. Tanvi G.

 Chapter 2 – Diode and Their Application

Part 3: Filters
Q. What is Filter? Why do we need filters?
Ans:
 The ripple in the signal denotes the presence of some AC component. This ac component has to
be completely removed in order to get pure dc output. So, we need a circuit that smoothens the
rectified output into a pure dc signal.
 A filter circuit is one which removes the ac component present in the rectified output and allows
the dc component to reach the load.

The following figure shows the functionality of a filter circuit.

Q. Explain the working of series ‘L’(series inductor) filter with diagram?

Ans:

 As an inductor allows dc and blocks ac, a filter called Series Inductor Filter can be constructed by
connecting the inductor in series, between the rectifier and the load. The figure shows the circuit
of a series inductor filter.
 The rectified output when passed through this filter, the inductor blocks the ac components that
are present in the signal, in order to provide a pure dc. This is a simple primary filter.

Q. Explain the working of series ‘C’(shunt capacitor) filter with diagram?

Ans:

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 Chapter 2 – Diode and Their Application

 As a capacitor allows ac through it and blocks dc, a filter called Shunt Capacitor Filter can be
constructed using a capacitor, connected in shunt, as shown in the following figure.
 The rectified output when passed through this filter, the ac components present in the signal are
grounded through the capacitor which allows ac components. The remaining dc components
present in the signal are collected at the output.

Q. Explain the working of series LC filter with diagram?

Ans:
 A filter circuit can be constructed using both inductor and capacitor in order to obtain a better
output where the efficiencies of both inductor and capacitor can be used. The figure below shows
the circuit diagram of a LC filter.

 The rectified output when given to this circuit, the inductor allows dc components to pass through
it, blocking the ac components in the signal. Now, from that signal, few more ac components if
any present are grounded so that we get a pure dc output.
 This filter is also called as a Choke Input Filter as the input signal first enters the inductor. The
output of this filter is a better one than the previous ones.

Q. Explain the working of series π filter with diagram?

Ans:
 This is another type of filter circuit which is very commonly used. It has capacitor at its input and
hence it is also called as a Capacitor Input Filter. Here, two capacitors and one inductor are
connected in the form of π shaped network.
 A capacitor in parallel, then an inductor in series, followed by another capacitor in parallel makes
this circuit. The figure below shows a circuit for π filter (Pi-filter).

Working
 In this circuit, we have a capacitor in parallel, then an inductor in series, followed by another
capacitor in parallel.

Compiled by Mrs. Tanvi G.

 Chapter 2 – Diode and Their Application

 Capacitor C1 − This filter capacitor offers high reactance to dc and low reactance to ac signal.
After grounding the ac components present in the signal, the signal passes to the inductor for
further filtration.
 Inductor L − This inductor offers low reactance to dc components, while blocking the ac
components if any got managed to pass, through the capacitor C1.
 Capacitor C2 − Now the signal is further smoothened using this capacitor so that it allows any ac
component present in the signal, which the inductor has failed to block.

Q. Define the following terms with respect to rectifier:

Ripple factor
Rectification efficiency (ƞ)
Transformer Utilization Factor (TUF)
Peak Inverse Voltage (PIV)
Ans:
1. Ripple factor: The factor which represents ac component present in the rectifier output, with
respect to dc component is called Ripple Factor. OR The ratio of r.m.s. value of a.c. component to
the d.c. component in the rectifier output is known as ripple factor.
Mathematically
𝐫𝐦𝐬 𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐜 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐧𝐭
𝛄 =
𝐝𝐜 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐧𝐭

𝐕𝐫𝐦𝐬 𝐈𝐫𝐦𝐬
𝛄 = =
𝐕𝐝𝐜 𝐈𝐝𝐜

2. Rectification efficiency (ƞ): This is defined as the ratio of dc power delivered to the load to the ac
input power from the secondary winding of the transformer. Mathematically,

𝐝𝐜 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐏𝐝𝐜

𝛈 = =
𝐚𝐜 𝐢𝐧𝐩𝐮𝐭 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐏𝐚𝐜

3. Transformer Utilization Factor (TUF): It is the ratio of dc power delivered to the load and the ac
rating of the transformer secondary.

𝐝𝐜 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐏𝐝𝐜

𝑻𝑼𝑭 = =
𝐚𝐜 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐏𝐚𝐜 (𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝)

4. Peak Inverse Voltage (PIV): The maximum value of reverse voltage (for the diode in a rectifier)
occurring at the peak of the negative cycle of the input cycle is called Peak Inverse Voltage.

Compiled by Mrs. Tanvi G.

 Chapter 2 – Diode and Their Application

Part 4: Other Diodes

Q. Explain the working of Zener diode?
Ans:
Symbol:

Working

A. Forward Bias
Zener diode works same as a PN junction diode in forward bias condition.

B. Reverse Bias: (Breakdown in zener diode)

There are two types of reverse breakdown regions in a zener diode:

1. Avalanche breakdown
2. Zener breakdown.

1. Zener breakdown:

 When zener voltage (Vz) is less than 5V, zener breakdown occurs, Electric field generated due to
depletion region is strong enough to pull off some of the valence electrons into conduction band.
 These electrons become free electrons which are available for conduction. It will generate a large
reverse current which is called zener breakdown.

2. Avalanche breakdown

 When zener voltage (Vz) is greater than 5V, avalanche breakdown occurs.
 By increasing the reverse voltage, kinetic energy of minority carrier increases, while travelling this
carrier will collide with stationary atoms and give some of the energy to the valence electrons.
 Due to this, valence electrons jump into conduction band and they are free for conduction.
 A large reverse current starts flowing through the zener diode which is called avalanche effect.

Compiled by Mrs. Tanvi G.

 Chapter 2 – Diode and Their Application

Q. Explain the V-I Characteristics of zener diode?(S19)

Ans:

V-I Characteristics of Zener diode

 When forward biased voltage is applied to the zener diode, it works like a normal diode.
 When reverse biased voltage is applied to a zener diode, it allows only a small amount of leakage
current until the voltage is less than zener voltage.
 When reverse biased voltage applied to the zener diode reaches zener voltage, it starts allowing
large amount of electric current.
 Because of this sudden rise in electric current, breakdown occurs called zener breakdown

Q. Explain Zener diode as Voltage Regulator (W19)

Ans:
Circuit Diagram

Compiled by Mrs. Tanvi G.

 Chapter 2 – Diode and Their Application

V-I Characteristic of Zener Diode:

 The Zener Diode is used in its "reverse bias".

 From the I-V Characteristics curve we can study that the zener diode has a region in its reverse
bias characteristics of almost a constant negative voltage.
 Regardless of the value of the current flowing through the diode and diode remains nearly
constant even with large changes in current as long as the zener diodes current remains between
the breakdown current IZ(min) and the maximum current rating IZ(max).

Q. Explain the working of Light Emitting diode?

Ans:

Symbol:

Compiled by Mrs. Tanvi G.

 Chapter 2 – Diode and Their Application

 Light Emitting Diode (LED) works only in forward bias condition.

 When it is forward biased, the free electrons from n-side and the holes from p-side are pushed
towards the junction.
 The recombination shows that the electrons move from the conduction band to valence band and
they emits electromagnetic energy in the form of photons.
 The energy of photons is equal to the gap between the valence and the conduction band.
 In standard diodes, the energy is released in the form of heat. But in light-emitting diodes, the
energy is released in the form of photons. We call this phenomenon as electroluminescence.

Compiled by Mrs. Tanvi G.

 Chapter 2 – Diode and Their Application

MSBTE Exam Questions

Winter 2022
1. Draw V-I Characteristics of an ideal P-N junction diode. (2Marks)
2. Define Rectifier. List the types of Rectifiers. (2Marks)
3. State and explain the operating principle of P-N Junction diode under forward bias condition. (4Marks)
4. Draw the construction of cup type of LED. List any two applications of it. (4Marks)
5. Define the following terms with respect to Rectifier. (4 Marks)
i. Ripple Factor
ii. Rectification efficiency(h)
iii. Transformer Utilization Factor (TUF)
iv. Peak Inverse Voltage (PIV)
6. Draw and explain the working of CLC Filter. (4Marks)
7. (I) Sketch the Full Wave Bridge Rectifier and draw the waveform of Load Voltage and Load Current.
(II) State any two advantages of FWR over HWR. (6Marks).

Summer 2022
1. Give two points of distinction between half wave & full wave rectifier. (2Marks)
2. Draw neat diagram of bridge rectifier. Draw input and output waveform. (4Marks)
3. With suitable diagram, explain the working of P-N junction diode. (4Marks)
4. Draw block diagram of regulated power supply. Explain function of each block. (4Marks)
5. With suitable diagram, explain the working of capacitor filter with full wave rectifier. Draw i/p and o/p
waveform
6. (i) Identify the given circuit and explain its working. (ii) Draw the input and output waveform foe the
same. (iii) State application for the same circuit. (6Marks).

Winter 2019
1. Draw V-I characteristics of P-N junction diode and explain it. (4M)
2. State need of Regulated power supply. (2M)
3. Define PIV, TUF, ripple factor, efficiency of rectifier. (4M)
4. Draw a circuit diagram of bridge rectifier. Draw its input output waveforms and describe its operation.
(4M)

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 Chapter 2 – Diode and Their Application

5. Sketch the constructional diagram of LED and describe its working. (4M)

Summer 2019
1. Draw and explain reverse biased V-I characteristics of Zener diode. (4 Marks)
2. Draw and describe working principal of LED. (4 Marks)
3. Sketch the block diagram of regulated power supply. Draw the waveforms at the
output of each block. (4 Marks)
4. Draw centre tap full wave rectifier and explain its operation. (4 Marks)
5. Give the need of a filter. Draw the circuit diagram of π filter and state its working. (6
Marks)
Winter 2018
1. State the need of filters. Define filter. (2Marks)
2. Draw and explain Zener diode as a voltage regulator. (4Marks)
3. Draw the neat sketch of centre tap full wave rectifier. Draw i/p and o/p waveforms. (4Marks)
4. Differentiate between P-N junction diode and Zener diode. (4Marks)
5. Draw the block diagram of regulated power supply and explain the working of each block.
(4Marks)
6. In full wave bridge rectifier Vm = 10V, RL = 10 KΩ find out VDC, IDC, ripple factor and PIV.
(6 Marks)
Summer 2018
1. State the need of filters in a regulated DC power supply. (2 Marks)
2. Define the following terms with respect to rectifier : (4Marks)
(i) Ripple factor (ii) Rectification efficiency (η)
(iii) Transformer Utilization Factor (TUF) (iv) Peak Inverse Voltage (PIV)
3. Draw construction of LED and explain working principle. (4Marks)
4. Draw the basic block diagram of regulated DC power supply. Explain the function of each
block. (4Marks)
5. Compare P-N junction diode and Zener diode on the basis of (4Marks)
(i) Symbol (ii) Direction of conduction
(iii) Reverse breakdown (iv) Application
6. Identify the circuit shown in Fig. 2 and explain working with input-output waveforms for a
sinusoidal input. (6 Marks)

Compiled by Mrs. Tanvi G.

Chapter 2 – Diode and Their Application

Compiled by Mrs. Tanvi G.