Reverse Bias Of Diode

Energy band diagram of p n junction diode. The switch is on during forward bias that is conducting and during reverse bias the switch will be off indicating that it is in non conducting mode.

Reverse Biased P N Junction Diode

Pn Junction Diode And Diode Characteristics

How Schottky Diodes Work Eagle Blog

In figure a dc voltage is a source connected across a diode in the direction to produce reverse bias.

Reverse bias of diode. In reverse bias the anode terminal of the voltage source is connected to the n type pin and cathode terminal of the voltage source is connected to the p type pin of the diode. When the voltage rises above the normal range the diodes become forward biased conducting. By reverse biasing we mean applying an external voltage which is opposite in direction to forward bias.

The forward bias and the reverse bias properties of the pn junction imply that it can be used as a diode. In the reverse bias operation the diode act like an open switch. In reverse biased p n junction diode the free electrons begin their journey at the negative terminal whereas holes begin their journey at the positive terminal.

So here we connect positive terminal of battery to n side of the diode and negative terminal of the battery to p side of the diode. In actuality a very small amount of current can and does go through a reverse biased diode called the leakage current but it can be ignored for most purposes. This paved the way the diode to act as a switch.

Diodes are frequently used to conduct damaging high voltages away from sensitive electronic devices. Negative charges electrons can easily flow through the junction from n to p but not from p to n and the reverse is true for holes. Free electrons which begin their journey at the negative terminal find large number of holes at the p type semiconductor and fill them with electrons.

Reverse bias is the condition that essentially prevents current through the diode. A reverse biased diode prevents current from going through it due to the expanded depletion region. This completes the reverse bias circuit for pn junction diode.

A pn junction diode allows electric charges to flow in one direction but not in the opposite direction. They are usually reverse biased non conducting under normal circumstances. Whereas during reverse bias the diode is in non conducting or acting as an open circuit.

This external bias voltage is designated as v bias just as it was for forwarding bias.