A6 LT2 Flashcards
What happens to the P-type material in a diode?
Gains electrons (negative charge)
What happens if the applied voltage is greater than the barrier potential in a diode?
Electrons in N-type combine with holes in P-type
What happens when the P-type material (anode) of a diode is made positive and the N-type material (cathode) is made negative?
The diode conducts like a closed switch.
What is the maximum continuous current a diode can safely conduct?
1 ampere to over 1000 amperes
What is required for a diode to conduct?
Forward-biased anode
What will the meter indicate in the opposite direction?
Infinity or very high resistance
How should you connect the black and red leads when measuring amps with a multimeter?
Black to negative side, red to positive side
What happens to the N-type material in a diode?
Loses electrons (positive charge)
What is the term for the polarity of the applied voltage that causes conduction through the diode?
Forward bias
What happens when the N-type material of a diode is made positive and the P-type material is made negative?
The diode blocks current like an open switch.
What happens if either the diode or the battery is reversed?
Ideally, no current flows
What happens when reverse bias is applied to a diode?
Barrier potential is strengthened
How can you test the lead polarity of a multimeter when unsure?
Use another DC voltmeter in the ohms function.
How do free electrons in the N-type material react in reverse bias?
Attracted towards positive side
What does a multimeter’s display indicate when a good diode is forward biased in diode-test mode?
Tone sounds and about 600 mV.
