Key Topic 24: Diodes

Question 1

3-24C1: What is one common use for PIN diodes?

A. Constant current source.
B. RF switch.
C. Constant voltage source.
D. RF rectifier.

Answer 1

B. RF switch.

Question 2

3-24C2: What is a common use of a hot-carrier diode?

A. Balanced inputs in SSB generation.
B. Variable capacitance in an automatic frequency control circuit.
C. Constant voltage reference in a power supply.
D. VHF and UHF mixers and detectors.

Answer 2

D. VHF and UHF mixers and detectors.

Question 3

3-24C3: Structurally, what are the two main categories of semiconductor diodes?

A. Junction and point contact.
B. Electrolytic and junction.
C. Electrolytic and point contact.
D. Vacuum and point contact.

Answer 3

A. Junction and point contact.

Question 4

3-24C4: What special type of diode is capable of both amplification and oscillation?

A. Zener diodes.
B. Point contact diodes.
C. Tunnel diodes.
D. Junction diodes.

Answer 4

C. Tunnel diodes.

Question 5

3-24C5: What type of semiconductor diode varies its internal capacitance as the voltage applied to its terminals varies?

A. Tunnel diode.
B. Varactor diode.
C. Silicon-controlled rectifier.
D. Zener diode.

Answer 5

B. Varactor diode.

Question 6

3-24C6: What is the principal characteristic of a tunnel diode?

A. High forward resistance.
B. Very high PIV (peak inverse voltage).
C. Negative resistance region.
D. High forward current rating.

Answer 6

C. Negative resistance region.