<^< Diode Characteristics | Course Index | Zener Diodes >^>
| Objective:
| To obtain the I / V characteristic of a silicon diode.
|
|---|
| Underpinning knowledge:
| Semiconductors. Diodes. Forward and reverse connection. Forward voltage drop.
|
|---|
| Apparatus:
| TINA circuit file, or apparatus to make the following circuit.
|
|---|
| TINA Circuit File:
| Click here to download circuit file
|
|---|
| Initial Settings:
| Battery supply = 0.6V. Diode connected in the forward direction.
|
|---|
| Requires:
| Paper, Linear graph paper, pen or pencil.
|
|---|
| Instructions:
(a) Measure and record in a table values of current at each of the following forward voltages; 400mV, 500mV, 550mV, 600mV, 650mV, 700mV, 750mV.
(b) Plot a graph to show the variation of forward current, IF, against forward voltage, VF.
(c) Estimate the forward voltage drop for the diode.
(d) Reconnect the diode in the reverse direction and verify that no reverse current flows for reverse voltages of 1V, 5V and 10V.
|
|
Observations:
Comment on the graph produced and the measured forward voltage drop. Is this what you would have expected?
|
| Further work:
Derive characteristics for two common types of diode using models available within TINA. Compare the results with those of the 'ideal' diode.
|
<^< Diode Characteristics | Course index | Zener Diodes >^>
