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Back diode: Difference between revisions
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A '''Back diode''' or '''Backward diode''' is a [[tunnel diode]] that has better conduction for small reverse biases (typically –0.1 to –0.6 V) than for forward bias voltages. | [[File:BD4 characteristic.png|thumb|400px|right|Characteristics of a [[BD4]] back diode]] | ||
A '''Back diode''' or '''Backward diode''' is a [[tunnel diode]] that has better | |||
conduction for small reverse biases (typically –0.1 to –0.6 V) than for forward bias voltages. | |||
Compared to a typical tunnel diode, one side of the junction is less heavily doped than the other, | |||
leading to a reduced effect of tunneling in the forward direction (a much less prominent negative resistance area). | |||
In the reverse direction, there is strong conduction at very low voltages already. | |||
Among other purposes, it can be used as a rectifier for small signals, | |||
and will work at very high frequencies (50+ GHz) due to the absence of charge storage. | |||
When used as a rectifier, the reverse direction is used to conduct, whereas the forward direction blocks current flow for small signals (see diagram). | |||
This use which is "backward" from how a normal diode would rectify a signal has given the back diode its name. | |||
Examples of back diodes include: | Examples of back diodes include: | ||
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==Links== | ==Links== | ||
[[wikipedia:Backward diode|Backward diode]] @ Wikipedia | * [[wikipedia:Backward diode|Backward diode]] @ Wikipedia | ||
* [https://www.electronics-notes.com/articles/electronic_components/diode/backward-diode.php Backward diode @ electronics-notes.com] | |||
* Tunnel diode switching circuits and the back diode. Service Scope [[Media:Service Scope 38 Jun 1966.pdf | No. 38, June 1966]] and [[Media:Service Scope 39 Aug 1966.pdf | No. 39, August 1966]] | |||
<gallery> | <gallery> | ||