Difference between rectifier and light emitting diodes

167

02:16:38

Rectifier diodes appear to have constant resistance after the voltage passes their threshold voltage, whereas LEDs are very nonlinear.

published 1 year ago

billoute720

1 year ago

The diode lets current flow when the voltage exceeds approximately 1 V with an internal resistance of 1 ohm. i=(u-1)/R therefore i=u-1 for the diode, the graph is a straight line. On the other hand, the LED is almost a short circuit when the voltage exceeds the operating voltage (2 V). the current rises much faster. i=20(u-2) for the led. The start of the curve is not linear, but if you set the voltage higher (10 V for example), you will be able to verify that the graph is also a straight line but with a large slope.

MattFerrie

1 year ago

They're both diodes though so shouldn't the curves be nearly identical?

billoute720

1 year ago

There are many types of diodes (rectifier, schottky, zener, controlled avalanche, LED, etc.) and each has a well-defined function. The LED is not a rectifier diode and it has been designed to emit light at a certain voltage for a certain current. It's up to you and according to your needs to create functional circuits.

MattFerrie

1 year ago

So in terms of function an LED and a rectifier diode are completely different, and pretty much the only thing they have in common is that they let current through in only one direction?

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