4.4.1. ON and OFF Characteristics

Try these first

1. 1.

   What happens to the current through a diode when it is reverse-biased?

   Hint

   Think about the OFF state characteristics.

2. 2.

   What defines the cut-in voltage for a silicon diode?

   Hint

   Recall the typical values for common silicon diodes.

3. 3.

   What is the current approximation of a diode when it is in the OFF state?

   • Infinity
   • Zero
   • Some small current

   Hint

   Consider the definition of OFF state.

4. 4.

   Diodes have a non-linear I-V characteristic curve. True or False?

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about the behavior of current through a diode compared to a resistor.

5. 5.

   In a circuit with a diode, if the input voltage is 5V and the cut-in voltage is 0.7V, what is the expected output voltage assuming negligible drop across the diode and a resistor of 2kΩ?

   Hint

   Subtract the cut-in voltage from the input voltage.

6. 6.

   For a non-linear circuit with multiple diodes, explain how you could determine the effective output voltage when signals of varying AC magnitude are applied.

   Hint

   Assessment of current flow through each diode based upon input AC and DC variations is key.