☑ Diode Current In Forward Bias

Forward bias means connecting anode to p type and cathode to n type. In forward biasing the device operates as a conductor whereas in reverse bias the device act as an insulator.

Diode Characteristic Curve

Semiconductor Diode

Pn Junction Diode Forward Bias Current Part 2

If the p n junction diode is forward biased with approximately 07 volts for silicon diode or 03 volts for germanium diode the p n junction diode starts allowing the electric current.

Diode current in forward bias. But one requirement to forward bias a diode is that the negative side of the external bias voltage must be connected to the cathode or n region of the diode and the positive side of the external bias voltage to the anode or the p region. Reverse bias means connecting anode to n type and cathode to p type. The biasing conditions of p n junctions diode clearly state that during forward bias the diode is in conducting mode acting like a closed circuit.

Whereas during reverse bias the diode is in non conducting or acting as an open circuit. This paved the way the diode to act as a switch. During forward bias the diode conducts current with increase in voltage.

The forward voltage of the silicon diode is 07 volts and the forward voltage of the germanium is 03 volts. The diode acts like a closed switch in forward bias. For no external voltage there is no net current flowing in the diode.

From the analysis of both forward bias and reverse bias we can arrive at one fact a pn junction diode conducts current only in one direction ie during forward bias. In forward bias condition the current is allowed to pass through the pn junction.