3.5.1. Simple DC Diode Circuit

Try these first

1. 1.

   State Kirchhoff's Current Law.

   Hint

   Think about current flow in a circuit.

2. 2.

   What is KVL?

   Hint

   Consider voltage drops around circles in circuits.

3. 3.

   What does Kirchhoff's Current Law state?

   • Current inflow equals outflow
   • Voltage around a loop is zero
   • Only series circuits apply

   Hint

   Think about how currents are conserved in circuits.

4. 4.

   True or False: Thevenin's theorem can only be applied to DC circuits.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider that circuit analysis techniques can often be used for different types of currents.

5. 5.

   Design a circuit with a given voltage source and unknown resistor values to get a specific voltage across a diode. Show your calculations using Thevenin’s theorem.

   Hint

   Find the Thevenin equivalent and use the resistor values you choose to see the voltage across the diode.

6. 6.

   Given a circuit with an ideal diode in forward bias, find the input voltage required for a specific output current of 10mA given the resistance connected. Show the calculations.

   Hint

   The output current determines the voltage drop based on the resistor connected in series.