A diode will conduct electricity in forward bias mode. In this mode, the diode is connected in such a way that the positive terminal of the voltage source is applied to the anode (positive side) of the diode, and the negative terminal to the cathode (negative side). This configuration allows current to flow through the diode easily, as the voltage applied forward biases the junction between the semiconductor layers inside the diode. As a result, the diode exhibits low resistance (ideally zero resistance for an ideal diode) and conducts current from anode to cathode.
The mode in which a diode primarily operates is the forward bias mode. In this mode, the diode allows current to flow through it with minimal resistance, provided the voltage applied across it is in the correct polarity (positive voltage at the anode and negative voltage at the cathode). This mode is essential for diodes in most electronic applications, where they serve purposes such as rectification in power supplies, signal demodulation, and voltage regulation.
The mode of action of a diode refers to its behavior under different bias conditions. In forward bias, where the diode conducts current, the applied voltage causes the depletion region within the diode’s semiconductor material to narrow. This reduction in the depletion region’s width allows charge carriers (electrons and holes) to move freely across the junction, facilitating current flow through the diode. Conversely, in reverse bias, the applied voltage increases the width of the depletion region, preventing current flow through the diode by creating a high resistance barrier.
A diode conducts electricity in the direction of its forward bias. When connected in forward bias, current flows easily through the diode from the anode (positive terminal) to the cathode (negative terminal). This directional flow occurs because the forward bias voltage reduces the potential barrier at the junction between the diode’s semiconductor materials, allowing charge carriers to move across the junction and conduct current. This property makes diodes useful in controlling the direction of current flow in electronic circuits and devices.
A diode does not conduct electricity in reverse bias under normal operating conditions. In reverse bias, the diode is connected with the positive terminal of the voltage source applied to the cathode and the negative terminal to the anode. This configuration increases the width of the depletion region within the diode, creating a high resistance barrier that prevents significant current flow. Although a small leakage current may exist in reverse bias due to minority carriers, it is typically very low compared to the current in forward bias. Reverse bias is commonly used in diodes for purposes such as blocking current in circuits to prevent reverse voltage damage or as a part of signal rectification circuits.