Definition
A two-terminal semiconductor device, commonly based on a p-n junction or metal-semiconductor junction, whose current-voltage characteristic allows much greater current in one bias direction than the other.
Application
Used for rectification, switching, clamping, protection, detection and optoelectronic functions; forward and reverse bias, leakage and breakdown behavior depend on the junction and device structure.
Related search terms
Semiconductor diode; rectifier diode
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Related concepts
Evidence and further reading
- Evidence from openstax.orghttps://openstax.org/books/university-physics-volume-3/pages/9-7-semiconductor-devices
- Evidence from ibm.comhttps://www.ibm.com/think/topics/semiconductors