What is a p-n junction diode? State and explain some of its applications. - Electronics

What is a p-n junction diode? State and explain some of its applications.

A p-n junction is a metallurgical junction formed at the boundary between a p-type and n-type semiconductor created in a single crystal of semiconductor by doping. It acts as a diode as is a two-terminal electronic component with asymmetric transfer characteristics. The following are some of its applications:-

-Rectifiers: A rectifier is an electrical device that converts alternating current (AC), which periodically reverses direction, to direct current (DC), which flows in only one direction. The types of rectifiers are-
i. Half wave rectifier- Uses one p-n junction
ii. Full wave rectifier- Uses two p-n junction

-Signal diodes: These diodes are used in circuits that mix signals together (mixers), detect the presence of a signal (detector), and act as a switch “to open or close a circuit”.

-Tunnel diodes: Very high frequency applications using the tunnel diode are possible because the tunneling action occurs so rapidly that there is no transit time effect and therefore no signal distortion. Tunnel diodes are also used extensively in high-speed switching circuits because of the speed of the tunneling action.

-Zener diodes: It is very highly doped acts as a voltage regulator and operates under reverse bias in the breakdown region.