Lesson #3 Lesson title: Diode in DC Circuits "Current LimitingThe analysis of electronic circuits can follow one of two paths: using the actual characteristics or applying an approximate model for the device. It is important to familiarize ourselves with Kirchhoff’s Laws as these will be the primary circuit analysis tools used throughout the modules (an exception is the Thevenin’s theorem for special circuits).| Kirchhoff’s Laws ne Kirchhoffs current law (KCL) states that the algebraic sum of currents Nv entering a node (or a closed boundary) is zero. > in The sum of the currents entering a node is equal to the sum of the cur- rents leaving the node. Kirchhof?s voltage law (KVL) states that the algebraic sum of all volt- ages around a closed path (ar loop) is zero. Lem mt =U; + 02 + 03 — V4 +05 =0The forward bias resistance of the diode (in the order of a few ohms) is usually so small compared to the other elements of the network that it can be assumed as zero. The reverse bias resistance of the diode (in the order of a few mega ohms) is usually so large compared to the other elements of the network that it can be assumed as infinite (equivalent to an open circuit). For each configuration, mentally replace the diodes with resistive elements and note the resulting current direction as established by the applied voltages (“pressure”). If the resulting conduction through the diode will occur and the device is in the “on” state. The description above is, of course, contingent on the supply having a voltage greater than the “turn-on” voltage (greater than 0.7 V for silicon).@y Multiple Choice #1 What is the primary function of a diode in a DC circuit? A. To amplify current B. To allow current to flow in one direction only C. To store electrical energy D. To generate alternating current Answer: B. To allow current to flow in one direction only Explanation: A diode is a unidirectional device that allows current to flow in one direction (forward-biased) and blocks it in the reverse direction (reverse-biased).B. Multiple Choice #2 In which direction does current flow in a forward-biased diode? ; a ‘A. From cathode to anode sae —pe cos B. From anode to cathode _ C. In both directions D. Current does not flow in forward bias Answer: B. From anode to cathode Explanation: In a forward-biased diode, current flows from the anode (positive terminal) to the cathode (negative terminal).Silicon:B Multiple Choice #3 What is the typical voltage drop across a silicon diode when it is forward-biased? A.OLY B.03V sone pb cote C.0.7V —m®)- D12V Answer: C. 0.7 V. Explanation: A silicon diode typically has a forward voltage drop of approximately 0.7 V when conducting.For the circuit below, determine the diode voltage, diode current and voltage drop across resistor R. Vp =0.7V for silicon + Vp — >I a E=Vp -IpR=0 Si Bs = = 5 1 = ExMe _8V-07V 33, + >< ~R "22009 ~~ 22k Vp Vp = IpR = 3.32 mA (2,200 2) = 7.3V +E -Vp — Vp =0 Vp = E-Vp =8V-0.7V =7.3VRepeat the problem above with the diode connected in reverse. [p= 0A Ip = 0A ° | iy, - Tp=0A > Vp = IpR = 0A (2,200.0) = OV 5 rG 2210 Vp +E —Vp—Vp=0 4+8V—Vp-0V=0 = Vp =8VWi Multiple Choice #4 —— : Ina DC cireuit, what determines whether a diode is forward- or reverse-biased? ‘A. The type of diode B. The polarity of the applied voltage C. The resistance in the circuit D. The frequency of the input signal Answer: B. The polarity of the applied voltage Explanation: The polarity of the applied voltage determines the biasing of the diode. Forward bias occurs when the anode is more positive than the cathode, and reverse bias occurs when the cathode is more positive than the anode.@! Multiple Choice #5 — How does a diode act in a DC circuit when used in series with a battery? A. It allows current to flow in both directions: B. It blocks current in both directions C. It allows current to flow only when the battery polarity matches the diode's forward bias D. It reduces the voltage of the battery Answer: C. It allows current to flow only when the battery polarity matches the diode's forward bias Explanation: A diode in series with a battery allows current to flow only when the battery polarity aligns with the diode’s forward bias. }The notation of voltage sources shown below will be employed for the applied voltage in the next example. It is a common industry notation and one with which the student should become very familiar. All voltages are based with respect to ground. E=+10VO —> +10V E=5VO —> rr + E*10VFor the circuit below, determine the diode voltage, diode current and voltage drop across resistor R. Although the polarity is correct for the diode, the 0.5 V source ney voltage is not enough to overcome the barrier potential which is lof + 0.7 V. The diode will be an open circuit since current will not SW \. flow in the circuit. — + Vp = IpR = 0A (1,2009) = 0V RY12K yy a E -Vp—Vp=0 = Vp =E= 05VWi Multiple Choice #6 Ina DC circuit, what is the purpose of a series diode with a resistor? = —m)- A. To amplify the current B. To create a voltage divider C. To limit the current through the diode D. To increase the diode’s voltage rating Answer: C. To limit the current through the diode Explanation: The resistor limits the current through the diode to prevent damage, especially in circuits like LED drivers.Determine the resistor voltages V1, V2, the diode current and Vo. +, - 22kQ V, KVLDetermine the resistor voltages V1, V2, the diode current and Vo. B.-K-07V-Wat B20 107-18) -07 0-14 5V=0 143V-1%-1m=0 May ua Remy” 700+ 20g” 2724 Vy = 1, = 2072mA (4.7009) = 9.7387 Vp=1 Ry = 207 mA (2.2008) ssav ‘The KVL equation #1 taken “outside” the circuit. The KVL equation #2 taken “inside” the circuit. By-V,-07V-Vo BE, +¥,—Vo=0 10 -9.738V 07) =0 Ey +V;—Vo=0 10V -9.738v - 07 ~¥, 0 ~5V +4558 V ~ Vg Vo= 438 = 0440 04a2V = 048VDetermine the diode currents In1, Inz, the circuit current, I1 and Vo. 1 LL 0.33 kQDetermine the diode currents In1, Ip2, the circuit current, I1 and Vo. + Mh = Vp =0.7V —b 033 ka ¥ N 7 ; E—Vp—07V =0 al} al} lov o7v= Lorvy, 4R-0.7V =0 10 -0.7 + - Re one = 28-182ma 4, = Ip + Iya 1, _ 28.182 mA Ip. = Ina == = 14.091 mAWi Multiple Choice #7 In a DC circuit, what is the result of connecting multiple diodes in parallel? A. The forward voltage drop increases B. The current-carrying capacity increases C. The diodes block all current —)- D. The reverse voltage rating decreases Answer: B. The current-carrying capacity increases Explanation: Connecting diodes in parallel increases the circuit's current-carrying capacity, as the total current is shared among the diodes.Determine the diode currents and the circuit currents, I1 and I2. ; >I ‘ Dy 20V siWD, Ioy I R S 56kQDetermine the diode currents and the circuit currents, I1 and h. . ‘ey Veg _0.7V + 0.7V— 2 = = 0.212 ma R, 33000 +E — Vas — Vio — Vo = 0 20 -0.7-0.7 = 18.6V E — Vie — Vea’ 321 mA h=Ipth = 3.321 mA — 212md= 2200 mA |