AM To draw the I - V characteristic curves of a p-n junction in forward

bias and reverse bias.

APPARATUS AND MATERIAL

REQUIREI
A p-n junction diode (OA-79 or 1N4007), a resistor of value
(30, 1/2w), one variable voltage power supply (0-12V). voltmeter
(0-12V), milliammeter (0-200 mA), a plug key, connecting wires, sand
paper and a microammeter (0-200 uA).

ERMS AND DEFINITIONS

1. Forward bias: When an external voltage is applied to a p-njunction
diode in such a way that the p-side is at a higher potential with

respect to the n-side, it is said to be forward biased.

2. Threshold voltage or "Cut-in" voltage: When the p-side is

connected to the positive terminal of the battery and the voltage is

increased, initially a negligible current flows till the applied voltage

crosses a certain value. After, a characteristic voltage, the diode
current increases significantly (exponentially), even for a very small
increase in the diode bias voltage. This voltage is called the
threshold voltage or cut-in-voltage of the diode.

3. Reverse bias: When the n-region of a p-n junction diode is at a

it is said to be
higher potential with respect to the p-region,
reverse

biased. In reverse bias, the p-side of the p-n junction diode is

connected to the negative of the battery.

Reverse saturation current: As the applied voltage is increased

in the biased condition, starting from zero value, the curent

reverse

increases, but soon becomes constant. This current is very small

(a few microamneres). It is called the reverse saturation current.

24/04/2018
 ExPERIMENT 16

P ROCEDURE
1. Note the range and least count of the given voltmeter (V).
milliammeter (mA) and the microammeter (uA).
2. Remove the insulating layers
from the connecting wires
and leads of diode using a
sand paper. R
ww
3. Connect the variable voltage
power supply, p-n junctioon
diode, voltmeter, milliammeter,
resistor and a plug key in a mA
circuit as shown in Fig. E 16.1.
4. Initially when the key is open.
you would note at this stage. that
K
no current is flowing through the
circuit. Now close the key. Fig. E16.1 Forward biastng
for ap-njunction diode
5. Give a small voltage to the circuit
by slight and gentle turning of
the power supply knob. Note the voltmeter reading across the
diode and the corresponding milliammeter reading to find the
current Iflowing through the diode.
6. Gradually, increase the applied voltage (in steps) in
the circuit and note the corresponding voltmeter and milliammeter
readings in Table E 16.1.
The value of current flowing through the diode would be negligibly
small till the voltage across the diode exceeds the value of its cut in
or threshold voltage. After the
cut
in voltage, the variation in current
will be rapid.
7. Once the threshold voltage is
reached, vary the diode voltage
very slowly (preferably in steps of
0.1V) noting the corresponding
current I flowing through the HA
diode. Continue increasing voltage
till the current reaches the limit of
the milliammeter.
8. Now disconnect the circuit K E
and make the connections as
shown in Fig. E 16.2 for the reverse
bias characteristics. Connect p-side ig. E 16.2 Reverse biasing Jor a p-njunction
of p-n junction diode to the diode

121

24/04/2018
LABORATORY MLANUAL

negative terminal of the power supply and replace milliameter with

a microanmmeter. Gradually, increase the applied voltage (in steps)
in the circuit and note the corresponding voltmeter and
microammeter readings in Table E 16.2. In this part ofexperiment,
with the given supply voltage you will get only flat portion of the
reverse bias characteristic curve.
CAUTION
Never increase the value of the voltage too much across the diode.
Excessive current flow may damage the diode if it exceeds its limit.
Maximum permissible current that can pass through the diode can
be known from the technical data as specified by the manufacturer.

BSERVATIONS
1. p-njunction diode used (diode no.) = ...

2. For forward biasing

() Range of the voltmeter = ... V to.. V

i) Least count of the voltmeter scale =... V

(1) Range of the miliammeter . . . mA to... mA

(iv) Least count ofthe milliammeter scale =.. mA

3. For reverse biasing

(0 Range of the voltmeter =.. V to ... V

(u) Least count ofthe voltmeter scale . . . V

(1) Range of the microammeter . . LA to... HA
(iv) Least count the microammeter = ... LA

Table E 16.1: Variation of forward current with voltage across the

diode (forward bias)

.No. Forward Forward

voltage V, N) Current , (mA)

20

122

24/04/2018
 ExPERIMENT 16

Table E 16.2: Variation of reverse current with voltage across the

diode (reverse bias)

SI.No. Reverse Reverse current

voltage V, N) I (LA)

20

PLOTTING GRAPH
1. Plot a graph between
I(mA)
forward voltage across the
diode (V) along the
positive x-axis and current
flowing through the diode
() along the positive
y-axis. The graph as
shown in Fig. E 16.3
represents a typical I-V
characteristic of a silicon
8
diode used. Locate the 100 80 60 40 20
0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0
knee and determine the
V
cut-in voltage. 10
20
2. Now plot the reverse
voltage (V,) along the 30
negative x-axis and the
corresponding current (in AA)
LA) along the negative
y-axis as shown in Fig. E 16.3 Typical 1-V characterlstics of a silicon
diode in Jorward biasing and reverse
Fig. E 16.3. Determine the
reverse saturation current.
biasing

RESULTA. The value of cut-in voltage for the given diode is ... V.

B. The reverse saturation current for the given diode is...LA.

PRECAUTIO
1. Find out manufacturer's specification for maximum permissible

123
 current through the given diode in forward blas. Take care not to
exceed this limit.
2. Find out manufacturers specification for maximum reverse voltage
to be to the diode. Take care not to exceed this limit.
applied
3. It is inmportant to take care that the potential difference across the
diode is increased gradually, in small steps. Keep your eyes on
the ammeter and let the current not exceed the specified limt.

JISCUSSION
If we use different diodes (Ge or Si), what change do you observe in
the I - Vcharacteristics? Does the threshold voltage / cut-in voltage of
the diode depend on the material of the diode?

DELF ASSESSMENT
1. How can operate diode as a switch or as a rectifier?
you

2. What is the difference between a diode and a resistor?

in
3. Ifa resistor of higher value (greater than the resistor connected
on the
the circuit) is connected in series with diode, then comment
slope of linear reglon ofI - Vcharacteristics.

20/34
sUGGESTED ADDITIONAL EXPERIMENTS/ACTIVITIESs

1. Perform the same experlment with a different value of R connected in series

with the diode. What changes will be observed in

(a) cut -in voltage?

voltage for different values of R?
(b) actual value of current for same

(c) shape ofI- Vcharacteristics?

with light emitting diode (LED) in place of a

Perform the same experiment
a
2.
observe in the
diode and plot I- Vcharacteristics. What change
the do you
when you use different coloured LEDs?
threshold voltage
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