Types of Diode

 A diode is a semiconductor device that allows current to flow in one direction while block the current to flow in reverse direction.There are two terminals of diode.one is called cathode while the other is called anode.

The application of diode is very vast.Mostly they are used to rectify waveform but there are also many other functions that a diode performs.

Types of diode:

There are many types of diode which are used to perform separate jobs.The

main types of diode are following.

Zener Diode

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 A zener diode is a diode that provides a stable reference voltage.Unlike simple diode,zener diode runs under reverse bias condition.Once the reverse voltage applied to the zener diode reaches its breakdown voltage,the voltage across the diode remains constant Zener diodes are available with different breakdown voltages so that any voltage can be achieved easily with zener diode.

Zener diode Symbol:

Schottky Diode:

Schottky diode is slightly different from the normal diode because it has low forward voltage drop usually 0.15-0.45 V. Schottky diodes are used where there is a need of limiting losses e.g, in RF applications where there is need of low forward voltage drop.These diodes 

Schottky Diode Symbol:

Light Emitting Diode(LED):

The Light Emitting Diode is one of the most important types of diode.When the diode forward biased and current flows through the junction,it emits light hence the name of the diode.These types of diode are widely used where there is a need of some indication.They are available in different light colors.

Light Emitting Diode Symbol

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Photo-diode:

The photo-diodes are the one which is used to detect light.They are constructed such that they capture energy from photons of light.Photo diodes can also be used to generate electricity.The major example is the solar panels.These are made from photo-diodes to generate electricity from the sunlight.

Photo-diode Symbol

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Varicap or Varactor Diode:

This is the type of diode whose capacitance varies with the function of voltage applies across it.They are operated in reverse bias condition.These types of diode are used as voltage-controllerd capacitors.

Varicap Diode Symbol:

There are many other types but they are not used widely in today's electronics.