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Lab 02

The document presents an experiment on diode characteristics, detailing forward and reverse bias measurements, including voltage, current, and resistance data. It discusses factors affecting diode performance, calculations for AC resistance, maximum power dissipation, and methods for identifying diode polarity using an ohmmeter. The conclusion confirms the diode's nonlinear behavior and its exponential current-voltage relationship.

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2 views

Lab 02

The document presents an experiment on diode characteristics, detailing forward and reverse bias measurements, including voltage, current, and resistance data. It discusses factors affecting diode performance, calculations for AC resistance, maximum power dissipation, and methods for identifying diode polarity using an ohmmeter. The conclusion confirms the diode's nonlinear behavior and its exponential current-voltage relationship.

Uploaded by

bluegaza85
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Lab 02

Bradley Celius

COM2350 LAB

2/16/2025
2

The Diode Characteristic

Table 2-1

Voltage Forward Revers Forward Reverse


(V) Current e Resistance Resistance
(mA) Current (Ω) (Ω)
(µA)
0.1 0.01 0 10
0.3 0.1 0 3
0.5 1 0 0.5
0.7 10 0 0.07
-5 0 2 2500
-10 0 1 10000
-15 0 0.5 30000

Table 2-2

Vf (V) Vri If
(Measure (Compute
d) (V) d) (mA)
0.45 0.44 0.1568
0.50 0.49 0.1649
0.55 0.54 0.1733
0.60 0.59 0.1822
0.65 0.64 0.1916
0.70 0.69 0.2014
0.75 0.74 0.2117
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Table 2-3

Vr2 (V) Vr Ir
(Measured (Computed)
) (V) (µA)
5 4.91 2.0
10 9.80 1.0
15 14.72 0.50

Forward-biased and Reverse-biased Diode Curves

Evaluation and Review Questions

Answer 1

In the forward-biased case, factors include contact resistance, variations in power supply

stability, and temperature effects. On the other hand, reverse-biased factors entail leaking in

currents, sensitivity of the meter, and existing noise in the set up distorts accuracy
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Answer 2

Compute the diode's AC resistance at three points on the forward-biased curve.

Applying Ohm's law (ΔV/ΔI) below

Rac (0.5V) = (0.6V - 0.5V) / (0.182212mA - 0.173325mA) =108Ω

Rac (0.6V) = (0.7V - 0.6V) / (0.201375mA - 0.182212mA) =52Ω

Rac (0.7V) = (0.75V - 0.7V) / (0.2117mA - 0.201375mA) = 48Ω (Floyd & Buchla, 2013, sec. 2-

1)

Answer 3

Compute the maximum power dissipated in the diode from Table 2-2.

Pmax = Vf * If = 0.75V * 0.2117mA = 0.1587mW

4.What does heat do to the forward and reverse resistance of the diode?

Answer 4

Heat decreases the forward resistance as carrier mobility increases. Heat increases the reverse

leakage current, effectively decreasing reverse resistance.

5.How could an ohmmeter be used to identify the cathode of an unmarked diode? Why is it

necessary to know the actual polarity of the ohmmeter leads?

Answer 5

Set the ohmmeter to the diode test mode. The anode is the lead connected to the positive probe

when a small voltage appears. Knowing the polarity is necessary because some meters reverse
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polarity internally when measuring resistance, leading to incorrect identification (Floyd &

Buchla, 2013).

For Further Investigations

The diode I-V relationship follows an exponential function

where is Is the reverse saturation current,eV is the ideality factor, and VT is the thermal

voltage.

A semi log plot is created where the forward current is plotted on a logarithmic scale against

voltage. This results in a straight-line affiliation, collateral to the exponential characteristic of

the equation for diodes.


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Conclusion

The experiment verifies the nonlinear characteristics of a diode. The forward bias shows an

exponential increase in current. The reverse bias results in minimal current until breakdown

occurs. The semi log plot confirms the theoretical diode equation.

Reference

Floyd, T. L., & Buchla, D. M. (2013). Analog fundamentals: A systematic approach. Pearson.

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