ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to classify materials as conductors, semiconductors or insulators. It describes the importance of silicon and germanium. The chapter also aims to understand n-type and p-type materials. It addresses the symbols used to represent diodes in circuit diagrams. The chapter examines the importance of diode characteristics and maximum ratings. It deals with characteristics and applications of various types of diode – signal diodes, rectifiers, Zener diodes, silicon controlled rectifiers, light emitting diodes, varactor diodes and Schottky diodes. Semiconductors have had a monumental impact on our society. Semiconductors are found at the heart of microprocessor chips as well as transistors. Semiconductor-based electronic components include transistors, solar cells, many kinds of diodes including the light-emitting diode, the silicon controlled rectifier, photo-diodes, and digital and analogue integrated circuits. A diode is the simplest possible semiconductor device.
