Laboratory Report

Experiment No. 1

THE SEMICONDUCTOR DIODE

Course/section: ECE201A - CPE21S2 Instructor: Prof. Gisela Rolluqui

Group No.: Date Performed:

Group Members: (Name/Signature/Task(duty))

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Activity 1.

To determine the diode polarity, connect the circuit as represented in the block diagram:

Figure 2.3 General Guideline – Place the 12-304 into the NI ELVIS II module

1. Connect the circuit shown in Figure 2.3 in NI multisim or Multisim Live.

2. Identify the forward and reverse bias operation of the diode by filling up the table

Circuit Current
(mA)
1 924.89 mA
2 10.01 mA

3. Open the Multi-Channel Meter (MCM) and the Digital Multi-Meter (DMM).

4. Set the voltage of the power Positive Variable Power Supply (PVPS) to 8 V.

5. Circuit 1 is using Figure 2.3 and circuit 2 is using Figure 2.3 also but rotate the diode 360
degree (the anode is connected to the DMM(amps) ammeter and the cathode is connected
to 4.7kohms.. Diode Testing.

6. Set the digital multimeter (DMM) to measure diode (with symbol of diode). 7. Connect
the set-up shown in Figure 2.4.

Activity 2

Figure 2.5

8. Complete the table.

Circuit Voltage
1 0.63508 V
or 635.08
mV
2 5V

9. Reconnect circuit in Figure 2.4 using analog multitester set to ohmmeter.

10. Complete the table.

Circuit Resistance
(Ω)
1 706.99 Ω
2 499.5 Ω

Activity 2

1. Connect Figure 2.5 in NI multisim or Multsim Live.

2. Turn the potentiometer to zero scale (fully counter-clockwise).

3. Open the MCM (or DMM in Multisim). Channel 1 display the voltage across the 100 Ω
resistors (VR) and channel 2 displays the voltage applied to the resistor and diode (VS).

4. Complete the table with the corresponding output results.

VS (V) VR (V) VD (V) I (mA)

0
6.9332e-17 -6.9332e- 6.9932e-16
 17
0.1
56.77e-12 0.1 5.6768e-10
0.2
2.30e-9 0.2 2.3008e-8
0.3
109.02e-9 0.3 1.0902e-6
0.4
5.203e-6 0.4 5.2039e-5
0.5
242.26e-6 0.5 2.4226e-3
0.6
9.58e-3 0.5904 0.095849
0.7
59.96e-3 0.6400 0.59968
0.8
138.88e-3 0.6611 1.3889
0.9
224.75e-3 0.6753 2.2475
1.0
315.27e-3 0.6847 3.1527
1.1
405.59e-3 0.6944 4.0959
1.2
505.05e-3 0.6950 5.0505
1.3
607.34e-3 0.6927 6.0734
1.4
706.26e-3 0.6937 7.0626
1.5
801.08e-3 0.6989 8.0108
2.0
1.3035 0.6965 13.035
2.5
1.7808 0.7192 17.808
3
2.2985 0.7015 22.985

5. Calculating VD is to subtract the voltage across the resistor (VR) from the supply voltage VS
VD = VS– VR. The current is calculated by measuring the voltage across a known resistance R I
= VR/R.

6. Record the voltage across the resistor VR with the supply voltage set by the potentiometer
at 0V.

7. Increase the voltage using the potentiometer to 0.1 and record VR.
8. Repeat this for 0.1V increments to 1.5V.

9. Record current readings for 2V, 2.5V and 3V.

10. Plot a graph of current (I) against the voltage across the diode (VD) using the values you
have just obtained.

6. Data and Results:

7. Discussion of Results:

The first circuit in activity 1 is forward bias while the second circuit is reverse-biased. The first
circuit contains current flowing inside the circuit; hence it is a forward bias. Circuit 2 also contains current
flowing in the circuit but it is too low; hence it is a reverse bias. The definition of the operation conditions
of a semiconductor diode is precisely the same as shown from the data gathered.

9. Conclusion:
 By examining the forward bias and reverse bias properties of the semiconductor diode, we were
able to successfully investigate the operation of semiconductor diode circuits. When a voltage source is
connected to a diode with the positive side on the anode and the negative side on the cathode, forward
bias occurs. This causes the diode to act as a conductor and let current flow. However, the current does
not flow if you attach the positive side of the voltage to the cathode and the negative side to the anode.
Reverse bias refers to the voltage applied in this direction to the diode. By examining the forward bias
and reverse bias properties of the semiconductor diode, we were able to successfully investigate the
operation of semiconductor diode circuits. When a voltage source is connected to a diode with the
positive side on the anode and the negative side on the cathode, forward bias will occur. This cause the
diode to act as a conductor and let current flow. However, the current does not flow if you attach the
positive side of the voltage to the cathode and the negative side to the anode. Reverse bias refers to the
voltage applied in this direction to the diode. Therefore, a forward bias offers lower/small resistance
whereas; a reverse bias offers high resistance.

10. Assessment Task:

1) From the data collected, how does the polarity affect current flow in the circuit?

The flow of the current is affected by polarity shifts. Since the polarity of the terminal and the
diode are incompatible, the current will diminish if the bias is reversed. The terminal and the
diode have the same polarity when the bias is forward; the current is able to flow into the circuit.

2) Differentiate a forward and reversed biased diode connection.

Forward bias occurs especially when the voltage of a diode allows the natural flow of current while
reverse biased marks or indicates the voltage across the diode towards the opposite direction.

3) Give applications on how diodes are used in electrical and electronic circuits? Briefly discuss
their operations.

It is commonly used in electronics such as computers, cellphones, and other compact

communication devices. Diodes can also be used in power supplies, inverter air conditioner, and
radars.