16 The diode as a switch and as a rectifier
- A pn junction acts as a diode: a device that conducts well in one direction (a closed switch in forward bias, with a small resistance) and hardly at all in the other direction (an open switch in reverse bias, with a very large resistance).
- The symbol shows an arrow (the p-side, anode) pointing toward a bar (the n-side, cathode): conventional current flows in the direction of the arrow.
To check a diode, use an ohmmeter: it should show a small resistance in one direction (forward) and a very large resistance in the other.
Rectification:
- because of this one-way behaviour, a diode is used to convert alternating current to direct current (it passes only the half-cycles in which it is forward biased).
- Rectifiers are found in every power supply and battery charger.