Diodes: A Water Pipe Analogy

A diode is an electronic component that allows current to flow in one direction but not the other. It can be used to convert alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC), or to protect circuits from reverse current.

The water pipe analogy is a helpful way to understand how diodes work. In the analogy, the diode is represented by a check valve. The check valve allows water to flow in one direction but not the other.

The points of interest in the water pipe analogy for diodes are:

• Water pressure (voltage) must overcome spring pressure before current can flow.
• Direct water flow (DC) passes through the diode easily in one direction after spring pressure is passed and not at all in the opposite direction.
• Alternating water flow (AC) is converted to pulses of one direction water flow (DC) if peak AC preasure is greater than spring pressure.

A diode works in electronic circuits by using the built-in depletion region to allow current to flow in one direction but not the other. The depletion region is a region of semiconductor material that is depleted of charge carriers. This region acts like an insulator and prevents current flow.

The two types of biasing for diodes are forward bias and reverse bias.

Forward bias is when the voltage applied to the diode is in the direction that allows current to flow. Reverse bias is when the voltage applied to the diode is in the direction that prevents current from flowing.

I hope this helps you understand how diodes work!