MODULE NO.

2
President Ramon Magsaysay State University
(Formerly Ramon Magsaysay Technological University)
Iba, Zambales, Philippines
Tel/Fax No.: (047)-811-1683

College of Engineering/Electrical Engineering

COURSE CODE: ACM 02: Basic Electronics
Semester of A.Y. 2020-2021

Introduction

This chapter will develop a working knowledge of the diode in a variety of

configurations using models appropriate for the area of application. By chapter’s end,
the fundamental behavior pattern of diodes in dc and ac networks should be clearly
understood. For instance, diodes are frequently employed in the description of the basic
construction of transistors and in the analysis of transistor networks in the dc and ac
domains.
ACM02 MODULE

Rationale

To learn and understand the diode applications

Intended Learning Outcomes

A. Understand the concept of load-line analysis and how it is applied to diode

networks.
B. Become familiar with the use of equivalent circuits to analyze series, parallel, and
series-parallel diode networks.
C. Understand the process of rectification to establish a dc level from a sinusoidal ac
input.
D. Be able to predict the output response of a clipper and clamper diode
configuration.
E. Become familiar with the analysis of and the range of applications for Zener
diodes.

Activity
Power Point Presentation thru google meet (if needed)

Learning Module

Assessment thru Edmodo Applications with time frame (invitation will be send)

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Discussion

Chapter 2: Diode Applications

Load Line Analysis

Load Line
a line drawn on characteristic curve on graph of Current VS Diode in a nonlinear
device such as diode or transistor.

Figure 1

(a) Series Diode

Configuration Circuit (b) Series Diode
Configuration
Characteristics
ACM02 MODULE

The circuit of Figure 1 shows the simplest of diode configurations. It will be used to
describe the analysis of a diode circuit using its actual characteristics. In the next
section we will replace the characteristics by an approximate model for the diode and
compare solutions. Solving the circuit of Fig. 1 is all about finding the current and
voltage levels that will satisfy both the characteristics of the diode and the chosen
network parameters at the same time.

Figure 2: Drawing the

load line and finding
the point of
operations

In Fig. 2, the diode characteristics are placed on the same set of axes as a straight
line defined by the parameters of the network. The straight line is called a load line
because the intersection on the vertical axis is defined by the applied load R. The
analysis to follow is therefore called load-line analysis. The intersection of the two
curves will define the solution for the network and define the current and voltage
levels for the network.

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Load Line Analysis: Analysis of Circuit and Graph

Applying Kirchhoff’s voltage law in the clockwise direction which results

to:
+𝑬 − 𝑽𝑫 − 𝑽𝑹 = 𝟎
Or +𝑬 = 𝑽𝑫 + 𝑰𝑫 𝑹 (Equation 1)

 If we set 𝑽𝑫 = 𝟎𝑽 in Equation 1 and solve for 𝑰𝑫 on the vertical axis then,

𝑬 = 𝑽𝑫 + 𝑰𝑫 𝑹
𝑬 = 𝟎𝑽 + 𝑰𝑫 𝑹
𝑬
𝑰𝑫 = |
𝑹 𝑽𝑫 𝟎

 If we set 𝑰𝑫 = 𝟎𝑨 in Equation 1 and solve for 𝑽𝑫 on the horizontal axis then,

ACM02 MODULE

𝑬 = 𝑽𝑫 + 𝑰𝑫 𝑹
𝑬 = 𝑽𝑫 + (𝟎)𝑹
𝑽𝑫 = 𝑬| 𝑰𝑫 𝟎

We now have a load line defined by the

network and a characteristic curve
defined by the device. The point of
intersection between the two is the point
of operation for this circuit. By simply
drawing a line down to the horizontal axis,
we can determine the diode voltage VDQ,
whereas a horizontal line from the point of
intersection to the vertical axis will provide
the level of IDQ. The point of operation is
usually called the quiescent point (“Q-
point”) to reflect its “still, unmoving”
qualities as defined by a dc network.

The solution obtained at the intersection of the two curves is the same as would be obtained by
a simultaneous mathematical solution of

Since the curve for a diode 𝑬 𝑽𝑫

has nonlinear characteristics, 𝑰𝑫 = − and
the mathematics involved 𝑹 𝑹
would require the use of
nonlinear techniques.
The load-line analysis
described above provides a
solution with a minimum of
effort and
Sample a “pictorial”
Problem:
description of why the levels
of solution for VDQ and IDQ 3
were obtained. Prepared by Engr. Cindy D. Dullas
 MODULE NO.2
SAMPLE PROBLEMS 1
For the Series Diode Configuration (below figure), employing the diode
characteristics determine:
a. VDQ and IDQ
b. VR

Diode Circuit Diode Characteristic

ACM02 MODULE

a. VDQ and IDQ

𝑬 𝟏𝟎𝑽
𝑰𝑫 = | = = 𝟐𝟎𝒎𝑨
𝑹 𝑽𝑫 𝟎
𝟎. 𝟓𝒌𝛀
𝑽𝑫 = 𝑬| 𝑰𝑫 𝟎 = 𝟏𝟎𝑽
the load line is determined solely
by the applied network, whereas
the characteristics are defined by
the chosen device.

For the Load Line Analysis, using the diode characteristics and load line. Based on the
graph, determine the IDQ and VDQ.
𝑽𝑫𝑸 ≅ 𝟎. 𝟕𝟖𝑽
𝑰𝑫𝑸 ≅ 𝟏𝟖. 𝟓𝒎𝑨

b. VR
𝑽𝑹 = 𝑬 − 𝑽𝑫 = 𝟏𝟎𝑽 − 𝟎. 𝟕𝟖𝑽
𝑽𝑹 = 𝟗. 𝟐𝟐𝑽
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SERIES DIODE CONFIGURATION
“In general, a diode is in the “on” state if the current established by the applied
sources is such that its direction matches that of the arrow in the diode symbol, and
VD=0.7 V for silicon, VD=0.3 V for germanium, and VD=1.2 V for gallium arsenide.”
ACM02 MODULE

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 MODULE NO.2

ACM02 MODULE

SAMPLE PROBLEMS 2
For the Series Diode Configuration (below figure), determine the following
a. VD
b. VR
c. ID

a. VD  0.7V ( Si ) b . V R is in o p en ciru it th en ,
Using KVL: VR  0
+ E - VD - VR  0
VR 0V
VD  + E - VR =8V -0V c. I D  I R  
R 2 .2 k 
VD  8V
ID  0m A

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REMEMBER:
An open circuit can have any voltage across its terminals, but the
current is always 0 A.
A short circuit has a 0-V drop across its terminals, but the current is
limited only by the surrounding network.

SAMPLE PROBLEMS 3
 Determine the following for the circuit below:
Note: LED (Red) Forward Voltage = 1.3V to 3V
a. Vo
b. ID
ACM02 MODULE

a. Using KVL:
+E - VK1 - VK2 -V0  0
V0  E - VK1 - VK2
V0  12V - 0.7V- 1.8V @min Forward Voltage
V0  9.5V
V0  12V - 0.7V- 3V @max Forward Voltage
V0  8.3V

b . U s i n g O h m 's l a w :
VR V
ID  IR   O
R R
9 .5V
ID  @ m in F o r w a r d V o lta g e
680
I D  1 3 .9 7 m A
8 . 3V
ID  @ m a x F o r w a r d V o lta g e
680
ID  1 2 .2 1m A

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 MODULE NO.2

SAMPLE PROBLEMS 4
 Determine the following for the PARALLEL Diode Configuration below:
a. Vo
b. I1
c. ID1
d. ID2
ACM02 MODULE

a. Vo = VD2 =0.7V
VR
b. I1 
R
KVL :  E  VR  VD1  0
VR   E  VD1  10V  0.7V  9.3V
9.3V
I1 
0.3 3k 
I1  28 .1 8 mA

c. KCL: I1 - ID1 - ID2  0

Assuming that the diode is ideal and identical.
I 28.18mA
ID1  ID2  1 
2 2
ID1  ID2  14.09mA

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Exercises
Check Edmodo Application for Exercise 2 uploaded on Assignment Section
Assessment

Assessment thru Edmodo Applications with time frame (invitation will be send)

Reflection

As an engineering student, do you have any electronic device that can be a

breakthrough improvement or innovation in the future?

Resources and Additional Resources

 Boylestad, R., & Nashelsky,L. (1998). Electronic Devices and Circuit Theory,
Seventh Edition. Ohio: Prentice Hall
 Malvino, Albert & Bates, David (2007). Electronic Principle, Seventh Edition.
New York: McGraw-Hill.
ACM02 MODULE

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