Diode Circuit Analysis & Losses
Diodes in DC Circuits
To analyze diode circuits, the state of the diode (on or off) must first be found. The diode can then be replaced by the switch equivalent circuit. However, in some circuits, it may be difficult to figure out which switch equivalent to use (for example, in circuits with more than one source or with more than one diode in a series). In these circuits, it is helpful to replace the diodes manually with a resistive element and note the resulting current direction due to the applied voltage. If the resulting current is in the same direction as the arrow on the diode symbol, the diode is on.
Example 1
For the circuit shown in Figure 1, find the diode current (ID), the diode voltage (VD), and the voltage across the resistor (VR).
Solution:
Since the current established by the source flows in the direction of the diode’s arrow, the diode is on and can be replaced by a closed switch.
The voltage across the diode VD = 0 V
Voltage across the resistor VR = VS – VD = 20 - 0 = 20 V
Example 2
Reverse the diode in Figure 1 and repeat Example 1.
Solution:
The direction of the current is now opposite to the arrow. The diode is off and can be replaced by an open switch.
Current through the diode ID = 0 A
The voltage across the resistor VR = ID x R = 0 V
Voltage across the diode VD = ES - VR = 20 – 0 = 20 V
Example 3
For the circuit shown in Figure 2, find the current (I) and voltages V0, V1, and V2.
Solution:
The two sources are aiding each other in the closed loop; the diode is on and can be replaced by a closed switch.
Applying Kirchhoff’s voltage law (KVL)
E1 – V1 – V2 + =E2 = 0
E1 – I(R1) – I(R2) + E2 = 0
Solving for I,
I = (E1 + E2) / (R1 + R2) = 25 / 7 = 3.5 mA
V1 = I x R1 = 17.5 V
V2 = I x R2 = 7.0 V
Diodes in AC Circuits
AC circuits have a voltage that varies with time. Therefore, there may be times when the AC voltage forward biases a diode and times when it reverse biases the same diode. Circuit analysis can be done separately for positive and negative half cycles. It must be noted when the voltage polarity across the diode forward biases it and when it reverse biases it. The diode can then be replaced by its switch-equivalent circuit
Example 4
Find the switch equivalent circuit of a diode with an AC source voltage VS, as shown in Figure 3.
Solution:
During the positive half cycle, the anode is more positive than its cathode, and therefore the diode is forward-biased. We can replace the diode with a closed switch.
During the negative half cycle, the anode is more negative than its cathode, and therefore, the diode is reverse-biased. We can replace the diode with an open switch.
Example 5
For the circuit shown In Figure 4, draw the waveforms of the voltage across the resistance (VR) and the voltage across the diode (VD).
Solution:
During the positive half cycle, the diode is forward-biased and can therefore be replaced by a closed switch. The voltage across the diode is zero, and the voltage across the resistor is the same as the source voltage. During the negative half cycle, the diode is reverse-biased and can therefore be replaced by an open switch. The voltage across the resistor is zero, and the voltage across the diode is the same as the source voltage.
Diode Losses
The total power loss that occurs in a diode is the sum of the on-state, off-state, and switching losses.
PT = PON + POFF + PSW
Where
PON = VF x IF x (tON / T)
POFF = VR x IR x (tON / T)
PSW = PSW(ON) x PSW(OFF)
PSW(ON) = 1/6 VF(MAX) x IF(MAX) x tF x f
PSW(OFF) = 1/6 VF(MAX) x IF(MAX) x tR x f
In these equations
VF = Forward voltage
IF = Forward current
VR = Reverse voltage
IR = Reverse leakage current
tON = time of diode conduction
tOFF = time during which diode is reverse biased
IF = Switching time in the forward direction
IR = Switching time in the reverse direction
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