Friday, September 12, 2025

Diode || TinkerCAD Circuits Basic Component

 Description

Diodes are semiconductor devices that allow electricity to flow in only one direction, like a one-way valve. They are used for rectification and signal processing.


How it works

Diodes are made from semiconductor materials that allow current to flow easily in one direction but resist current flow in the opposite direction.

Connect it

Diodes must be connected in the correct orientation in a circuit to work. The anode terminal must be connected to the more positive part of the circuit, and the cathode terminal to the more negative part.

A diode has two wire leads, and can be connected in parallel or series with the device it's meant to support, depending on the application. Diodes are polarized, which means they each have a positive and negative pole that must be connected in a certain way.

 How it is used:

Diodes are used in rectification circuits to convert AC to DC. They are also used in logic gates and signal processing. Zener diodes are used as voltage regulators by conducting in the reverse direction once their Zener voltage is reached, clamping the voltage in the circuit.

Select the device to edit its name.


Get Started:

Drag the starter circuit below into your design for a working example of how to use this part.


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More About Diode:

To use a Diode in Tinkercad, select the Diode component from the components menu, then customize its Name value in the properties panel to simulate your circuit.

Reverse bias a diode and it won't pass current. Forward bias it and it will pass current. The stripe indicates the cathode terminal which must connect to the negative terminal of the battery.

A diode is a semiconductor device that allows current to flow in one direction only, acting as a rectifier in circuits. There are several types of diodes, including standard (PN junction) diodes, Zener diodes, Schottky diodes, Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), photodiodes, and varactor diodes, each with specific applications based on their characteristics. The main specifications of a diode include its forward voltage (typically measured in volts (V)), which is the minimum voltage required to allow current to flow through the diode in the forward direction. Another key specification is the reverse voltage rating (also in volts (V)), indicating the maximum voltage the diode can withstand in the reverse direction without breaking down. Diodes also have a current rating, typically measured in amperes (A), which defines the maximum current the diode can handle without being damaged. The power dissipation or power rating, measured in watts (W), indicates the maximum power the diode can safely dissipate without overheating. For instance, a typical standard diode might have a forward voltage of around 0.7V, a reverse voltage of 50V to 1000V, and a current rating ranging from 100mA to several amperes depending on its type. The temperature coefficient of a diode, typically given in mV/°C, indicates how the forward voltage changes with temperature. Diodes are used in a wide range of applications including rectifiers, voltage regulation, signal processing, and light emission (in the case of LEDs).

Recommended Websites for Learning About Resistors:

1. Website Title: Electronics Tutorials – Diodes

Website Page URL: https://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/diode/diode_1.html
URL recommended for (Reason): This website provides a comprehensive, beginner-friendly guide to diodes, including their types, behavior in forward/reverse bias, and various applications. Great for getting an in-depth understanding of the basics.


2. Website Title: SparkFun – Diodes Tutorial

Website Page URL: https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/diodes/all
URL recommended for (Reason): A well-explained, hands-on guide to understanding diodes, including different types (LED, Zener, Schottky, etc.), their functions in circuits, and practical use cases. Perfect for hobbyists and makers.


3. Website Title: Digi-Key – Diode Types and Characteristics

Website Page URL: https://www.digikey.com/en/resources/diodes
URL recommended for (Reason): This page offers a detailed reference on various types of diodes, their electrical characteristics, specifications, and applications. It’s especially useful for understanding datasheets and practical selections.


4. Website Title: All About Circuits – Diode Overview

Website Page URL: https://www.allaboutcircuits.com/textbook/semiconductors/dio1/
URL recommended for (Reason): A great educational resource with a textbook-style explanation on diodes, their physics, and the different types of diodes (e.g., Zener, Light Emitting Diodes) used in circuits.


5. Website Title: Electronics Hub – Diodes Types and Applications

Website Page URL: https://www.electronicshub.org/types-of-diodes/
URL recommended for (Reason): Offers a concise overview of different diode types, their working principles, and their applications. Includes diagrams and practical examples, ideal for learners wanting to expand their knowledge quickly.


Note: Autodesk® and TinkerCAD® are trademarks of their respective company

TinkerCAD Circuits Platform related Interesting Links:

TinkerCAD Circuits Reference Handbook eBook: About Page 

Quickly Master Electronics with the TinkerCAD Circuits Reference Handbook 

…till next post, bye-bye & take care.

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