"A"
"B"
"C",
"D",
"E",
"F",
"G",
"H",
"I",
"J",
"K",
"L",
"M",
"N",
"O",
"P",
"Q",
"R",
"S",
"T",
"U",
"V",
"W",
"X",
"Y",
"Z"
Diode Symbols
Diode. A diode is a two terminal device using a PN junction. Diodes may be made
from Silicon, Germanium, Selenium, or Gallium Arsenide. Most diodes will
be made of Silicon. Normally a forward voltage drop of 0.7 volts will be
seen with Silicon Diodes, and a forward voltage drop of 0.3 volts will be
seen with Germanium Diodes.
Diodes are primarily used as switching devices. [Diode Manufacturers]. Diode types:
Diode Array. A group of diodes contained with in a single semiconductor package [possible Package Styles]. The diodes within the package may be isolated from one another or interconnected in any number of configurations. For example; a package may contain a number of diodes with all the cathodes [common cathode], or anodes [common anode] connected together. More detail on Diode Arrays
Diode Detector. A demodulator that uses one or more diodes to provide a rectified output with an
average value that is proportional to the original modulation. A device which converts rf energy into dc or video output.
Rectifier Diode: Heavy duty [high current] diode used to convert AC to
DC. Bridge Rectifier Circuit definition.
Tunnel Diode: Has a negative resistance region. The current
through the diode increases up to a certain voltage, than with increasing
voltage the current decreases until a voltage point is reached and the
current begins to increase again
Zener Diode: Designed to conduct in the reverse [bias] direction:
with a precise breakdown voltage [Vz].
Detailed Zener Diode Definition, or
[Zener Diode Manufacturers]
Gunn Diode. A microwave diode that exhibits negative resistance arising from the bulk negative differential conductivity occurring in several compound semiconductors such as gallium arsenide, and that operates at a
frequency determined by the transit time of charge bunches formed by this negative differential conductivity.
Impact Diode. [IMPATT] A semiconductor microwave diode that, when its
junction is biased into avalanche, exhibits a negative resistance over a frequency range determined by the transit
time of charge carriers through the depletion region.
Varactor Diode: 'Varicap' or 'VVC', Voltage [dependent] variable
capacitor [varies in picofarads]. A two terminal semiconductor device in which use is made of the property that its
capacitance varies with the applied voltage. [Varactor Diode Manufacturers]
Schottky Diode: A Schottky Diode is designed with a rapid turn on and off once the
threshold voltage is reached
LED Symbols
Light Emitting Diode: 'LED', A PN-junction diode that emits visible light when it is forward biased. Depending on the material used to make the diode, the light may be red, green, or amber. More LED Terms, [LED Manufacturers]
Laser Diode: Laser Diode manufacturers
Photodiode: Operated in reverse-bias, reverse current increases 'almost' linearly with increase in incident light
Varistor: Resistance [flow of current] changes as a function of applied voltage voltage. A varistor may also be called a VDR [Voltage Dependent Resistor]. Varistors will have a negative voltage coefficient [high resistance at low voltages and a low resistance at high voltages]. [Varistor Manufacturers ]
Metal Oxide Varistor: [MOV] A resistor that changes value with applied voltage. A varistor may also be called a VDR [Voltage Dependent Resistor]. Varistors will have a negative voltage coefficient. MOV devices are used in parallel with the load. [Varistor Manufacturers]
| Transient Voltage Suppressor: 'TVS', Designed to absorb a transient over-voltage. The device may be designed as Uni-Polar device protecting in one direction or a Bi-Polar device protecting the circuit in both directions. TVS manufacturers are listed on the Transient Voltage Suppressor page [Nonlinear Resistor Manufacturers]. TVS devices are used in parallel with the load. 16-pin Uni-Polar or Bi-Polar TVS components in a DIP package. |
 TVS |
Definitions by Application:
Clamping Diode: A diode used to limit the peak voltage on a line to a pre-determined maximum voltage.
Microwave Diode: A two terminal device that is responsive in the microwave region of the electromagnetic spectrum, commonly regarded as extending from 1 GHz to 300 GHz.
Mixer Diode: A microwave diode that combines rf signals at two frequencies to generate an rf signal at a third frequency.
Voltage-Reference Diode: A diode which is normally biased to operate in the breakdown region of its voltage-current characteristic and which develops across its terminals a reference voltage of specified accuracy, when biased to operate throughout a specified current and temperature range.
Welding Diode: A diode with a very large forward current rating.
