EXPERIMENT NO 3
Objective: To Plot V-I Characteristics of Si & Ge Diodes.
Instrument Required:
P-N Diode 1N4007 OR Characteristics of PN Junction Kit
Regulated Power supply (RPS)
Resistor 1K
Ammeter
Voltmeter
Bread board
Connecting wires
Theory:
A p-n junction diode conducts only in one direction. The V-I characteristics of the diode are curve
between voltage across the diode and current through the diode. When external voltage is zero, circuit is
open and the potential barrier does not allow the current to flow. Therefore, the circuit current is zero. When
P-type (Anode is connected to +ve terminal and n- type (cathode) is connected to –ve terminal of the supply
voltage, is known as forward bias (as in figure 1).
The potential barrier is reduced when diode is in the forward biased condition. At some forward
voltage, the potential barrier altogether eliminated and current starts flowing through the diode and also in
the circit. The diode is said to be in ON state. The current increases with increasing forward voltage. When
N-type (cathode) is connected to +ve terminal and P-type (Anode) is connected –ve terminal of the supply
voltage is known as reverse bias (as in figure 2) and the potential barrier across the junction increases.
Therefore, the junction resistance becomes very high and a very small current (reverse saturation current)
flows in the circuit. The diode is said to be in OFF state.
Circuit Diagram:
FORWARD BIAS
Figure 1
REVERSE BIAS
Figure 2
V-I characteristics:
Procedure For Forward Bias
1. Connections are made as per the circuit diagram.
2. For forward bias, the RPS +ve is connected to the anode of the diode and RPS –ve is connected to the
cathode of the diode.
3. Switch on the power supply and increases the input voltage (supply voltage) in Steps.
4. Note down the corresponding current flowing through the diode and voltage across the diode for each
and every step of the input voltage.
5. The reading of voltage and current are tabulated.
6. Graph is plotted between voltage and current.
7. Find the static resistance R = V/ I.
Observation
S.NO APPLIED VOLTAGE (V) VOLTAGE ACROSS CURRENT
DIODE(V) THROUGH
DIODE (mA)
Procedure For Reverse Bias
1. Connections are made as per the circuit diagram.
2. For reverse bias, the RPS +ve is connected to the cathode of the diode and RPS –ve is connected to the
anode of the diode.
3. Switch on the power supply and increase the input voltage (supply voltage) in Steps.
4. Note down the corresponding current flowing through the diode voltage across the diode for each and
every step of the input voltage.
5. The readings of voltage and current are tabulated.
6. Graph is plotted between voltage and current.
OBSERVATION
S.NO. APPLIED VOLTAGE VOLTAGE CURRENT
ACROSS DIODE(V) ACROSS THROUGH
DIODE(V) DIODE(mA)
Result:
Forward and Reverse Bias characteristics for a p-n diode is observed
Precautions
1. All the connections should be correct.
2. Sign of voltage supply should be taken carefully.
3. Take the observations carefully.
4. Trace should be drawn on properly.
5. Switch off the power supply after completion of experiment.
