Experiment 3: Application of Diode

1 Objective
In this lab, we will study the behavior and characteristics of diodes in electrical circuits, and explore their
practical applications. Through the experiment, students can investigate the properties of diodes, such as the
forward voltage drop. They can also learn how to use diodes to regulate voltage, protect circuits from voltage
spikes or surges, and convert alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC).

2 Materials
You will need the components listed in Table 3.1. Note: Be sure to answer the questions on the report as you
proceed through this lab. The report questions are labeled according to the sections in the experiment.

Component Quantity
2.7 kΩ resistor 1
5.6 kΩ resistor 1
10 μF capacitor 1
22 μF capacitor 1
1N4004 diode 4
Table 3.1 Components used in this lab

3 Procedure
3.1. Half-wave and Full-wave Rectifier
1. Set up the circuit shown in Figure 3.1, with RL = 5.6 kΩ. If you need help identifying the terminals of the
discrete diode, please refer to Figure 3.2
D1

Vin RL Vout

3.1 Half wave rectifier

Cathode

Anode Cathode
Anode
3.2 terminals of discrete diode and those of its circuit symbol counterpart

2. Increase DC voltage Vin from -5V to 5V with 1V scale, and measure DC voltage at Vout. Record it at table
3.2.
 Vin [V] Half Vout full Vout
-5
-4
-3
-2
-1
0
1
2
3
4
5
Table 3.2
3. Using recorded data, draw Vin-Vout graph with Vin from -5V to 5V and obtain VD,on.

4. Remove DC supply from Vin, then connect function generator. Apply 10Vpp sinusoidal waveform Vin. At
this time, DC voltage should be 0V and fin is 60Hz.

5. Observe and capture measured Vout and compare with theoretical value.

D2 D3
Vout
Vin
RL
D4 D1

3.3 Full wave rectifier

6. Change the circuit shown in Figure 3.3, with RL = 5.6 kΩ.

7. Repeat the measurement in procedure 3.1.2~3.1.5.

Note : In this step, use two probes. All grounds of probes are connected to Vin(-) node. Connect the
probe to the Vout(+) node, and the other port to the Vout(-) node. Use “math” function to measure output
waveform Vout.

8. Compare the pros and cons of two types of rectifiers and describe the solution.

3.2. Ripple in full-wave rectifier

D4 D1 RL C1 Vout

3.4 Ripple in full wave rectifier

2. Apply 10Vpp sinusoidal waveform Vin. At this time, DC voltage should be 0V and fin is 60Hz.

Note : In this step, use two probes. All grounds of probes are connected to Vin(-) node. Connect the
probe to the Vout(+) node, and the other port to the Vout(-) node. Use “math” function to measure output
waveform Vout.

3. Measure and record the ripple voltage(VR) value by changing RL, C1 and fin to the values specified in the
table 3.3.

Calculated VR [mV] Measured VR [mV]

4. Compare measurements and theory to analyze the factors affecting ripple voltage.

3.3. Limiter
1. Set up the circuit shown in Figure 3.5, with R1 = 5.6 kΩ, VB1=2V and VB2=3V.
R1

D1 D2
Vin Vout
VB1 VB2

3.5 Limiter
2. Increase DC voltage Vin from -5V to 5V with 1V scale, and measure DC voltage at Vout. Record it at table 3.4.
 Vin [V] Vout [V]
-5
-4
-3
-2
VD,on1 [V] VD,on2 [V]
-1
0
1
2
3
4
5
Table 3.4

3. Using recorded data, draw Vin-Vout graph with Vin from -5V to 5V and obtain each VD,on.

4. Remove DC supply from Vin, then connect function generator. Apply 10Vpp sinusoidal waveform Vin. At this
time, DC voltage should be 0V and fin is 60Hz.

5. Observe and capture measured Vout and compare with theoretical value.

4 Reference
1. “Microelectronics” by Behzad Razavi, 2nd Edition, Wiley

2. “EE105 Lab Experiments” by University of California at Berkeley, College of Engineering, Department of