Introduction to Electrical Engineering

EE-153
Fall 2023
Lab Report Obtained
Marks
Total Marks

Lab Engineer Signature &

Comments
Section & Group

Student Name
1. Muhammad Hanzallah
2. Muhammad Usman
3. Muhammad Shaheer Humayun
4. Anas Bashir

Section:A Group:11
Experiment No: 08 Date of Submission:05-12-23

Experiment Title: Experimental Study of Diode

Characteristics

Batch: Teacher:
BSME 21-25 Engr. Noman Khan

Semester Lab Engineer:

5th Engr. Muhammad Waqas Arshad
Engr. Muhammad Nouman Rasool

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Table of Contents
1. Abstract ..................................................................................................................................1
2. Introduction ............................................................................................................................1
3. Apparatus ...............................................................................................................................2
4. Procedure................................................................................................................................2
5. Discussion ..............................................................................................................................5
6. Conclusion..............................................................................................................................5

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List of Tables
Table 1: Measurements and observations ................................................................................ 4

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1. Abstract
In this experimental study, the characteristics of a semiconductor diode were investigated to
understand its behavior in various circuit configurations. The primary objectives were to
analyze the voltage-current relationship of the diode, explore its rectifying properties, and
examine its application in electronic circuits. The experiment involved systematic
measurements and observations, providing insights into the diode's performance.

2. Introduction
In this experimental study, the characteristics of a semiconductor diode were investigated to
understand its behavior in various circuit configurations. The primary objectives were to
analyze the voltage-current relationship of the diode, explore its rectifying properties, and
examine its application in electronic circuits. The experiment involved systematic
measurements and observations, providing insights into the diode's performance.
Diodes are connected in a circuit in two ways:
1. Forward Biased: Forward bias occurs when the positive terminal of a voltage source is
connected to the anode of a diode, and the negative terminal is connected to the cathode.
This configuration reduces the potential barrier at the junction, allowing current to flow
through the diode easily.
2. Reverse Biased: Reverse bias happens when the positive terminal of the voltage source
is connected to the cathode, and the negative terminal is connected to the anode. This
increases the potential barrier at the junction, hindering the flow of current.
Uses of Diodes: some common uses of diodes are listed below:
• Rectifiers
• Clamping and clipper circuits
• Voltage multipliers
• Protection circuits
• In logic gates
• Fly-back circuits
Symbol and Basic Diagram:

Figure 1: Diode Symbol Figure 2: Basic circuit using diode

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3. Apparatus
• 2 resistors of 1kΩ
• 2 diodes (IN4007)
• DMM
• Oscilloscope

4. Procedure
1. Establish the circuit as Figure below instructs. Also find the resistance by color code which
comes out to be 1kΩ and by DMM that gives it to be 0.983kΩ.

Figure 3: Circuit

Figure 4: color code

2. When choosing the multi-meter's Ohms Scale, check the meter reading.

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3. Based on that reading, the diode is either forward biased or reverse biased. The meter's
reading will indicate that the diode is conducting if you flip the probes.
4. Connect the circuit and set the VA to +2.12V VDC, as shown in Figure below.

5. Now find voltage across R1 and R2, which are as following: VR1= 0; VR2=1.49V.

Figure 5: VR2 voltage across R2

6. Current through Diode 2 (lower one) is forward biased.

7. Connect the circuit and adjust VA to -2.12V VDC, you will observe that now Diode 1 will
be forward biased and VR1= 1.49V, and through VR2= 0V.
8. Do the same procedure at different voltages and note the values in table.

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Table 1: Measurements and observations

VA VR2 ID2 VD2 VR1 ID1 VD=VA-

ID2=VR2/R2
VR2
(mA)
(V) (V) (mA) (V) (V) (mA) (V)
+15.64 15 14.33 0.74 0 0 15.2 0.74
+12.55 11.84 11.21 0.66 0 0 12.04 0.66
+10.16 9.44 8.9 0.72 0 0 9.6 0.72
+7.31 6.61 6.19 0.7 0 0 6.7 0.7
+5.2 4.36 4.10 0.66 0 0 4.45 0.66
+2.12 1.49 1.39 0.631 0 0 1.5 0.65
0.626 0.09 0.09 0.536 0 0 0.1 0.536
0.45 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
-12.5 0 0 0 11.84 11.21 0 -12.5
-15.74 0 0 0 15 14.34 0 -15.74
9. When choosing your multi-meter's Ohms Scale, make sure to check the meter reading.
10. Use ohms law for finding IR2=VR2/R2.
11. To verify the measured results, compute the last few columns of the above table.

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5. Discussion
The experiment involving parallel-connected diodes D1 and D2, with series resistors,
revealed distinct behavior within a voltage range of 15.64 to -15.64 volts. In forward bias,
both diodes conducted independently, demonstrating the parallel setup's load-sharing
capability. Minor variations in conduction thresholds highlighted unique diode
characteristics. Under reverse bias, the potential barrier increased, limiting overall current
flow. The series resistors contributed to a controlled increase in reverse current, influencing
the voltage drop across each diode-resistor pair. While deviations from theory may stem
from diode non-idealities, the experiment provides practical insights for designing circuits
requiring precise control over diode behavior within specific voltage ranges.

6. Conclusion
In conclusion, the experiment successfully investigated the characteristics of a diode in various
configurations. The voltage-current relationship revealed typical diode behavior, with forward
bias conduction and reverse bias blocking. The results align with theoretical expectations,
providing valuable insights into the diode's performance.

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Department of Mechanical Engineering

Pakistan Institute of Engineering and
Applied Sciences (PIEAS)
Experiment Risk and Safety Proforma

Lab: Date:

Equipment code: Equipment Name:

1. Was the experiment safe to perform? ☐ Yes ☐ No
2. Were the working conditions appropriate for the experiment? ☐ Yes ☐
No Comment (No):

3. Please mention the risks and their severity associated with the experiment performed:
a. Fire/Burn Hazard: ☐ Applicable ☐ Not Applicable
• Severity: ☐ Low ☐ Moderate ☐ High
• Likelihood: ☐ Low ☐ Moderate ☐ High
b. Electrical Hazard: ☐ Applicable ☐ Not Applicable
• Severity: ☐ Low ☐ Moderate ☐ High
• Likelihood: ☐ Low ☐ Moderate ☐ High
c. Sharp edges / falling items hazard:☐ Applicable ☐ Not Applicable
• Severity: ☐ Low ☐ Moderate ☐ High
• Likelihood: ☐ Low ☐ Moderate ☐ High
d. Slippage hazard: ☐ Applicable ☐ Not Applicable
• Severity: ☐ Low ☐ Moderate ☐ High
• Likelihood: ☐ Low ☐ Moderate ☐ High
e. Any other risk:
• Severity: ☐ Low ☐ Moderate ☐ High
• Likelihood: ☐ Low ☐ Moderate ☐ High

Student Name and Signature:

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