# Diode
![[diode.png]]

A perfect diode would only allow current to pass through in one directions, in the real world that is not always the case. Diodes have around three regions in which they operate.

![[diode-regions.png|400]]

Each diode needs a certain amount of voltage across its terminals to transmit any current, this voltage is called the forward voltage $V_{F}$. When the Voltage over the diode is below a certain level (Breakdown Voltage, $V_{BR}$) the diode will allow current to pass from the cathode to the anode.

## Types of Diodes
There are a lot of different types of diodes.

![[diode-symbols.png]]

#### Small Signal Diodes

Silicon/Germanium Diodes

![[diode-regions-germanium.png]]

#### Power Diode
These handle higher voltage and higher current than the small signal diodes. These diodes normally dont handle frequencies above 1Hz.

#### Schottky Diode
These normally have a really small forward voltage drop.

#### Zener Diode
Consists of a silicon PN-Junction