Thread: preventing current from being drawn out!!!

Isn't that what a diode does? Allows current flow in one direction only. Or am I missing the point? You'll pay a 0.6V voltage drop normally though.

Rob


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Sure, here you go:

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Seriously though, a diode is a component, not a circuit, you don't make one, you buy one. If you do insist on making one you'll need some silicon (or gallium arsenide or other similar semiconductor). Dope it p-type with Phosphorous, then generate an n-type well in the device with Boron (I think I got the dopes the right way round - it's been a few years since I did semiconductor theory :-). One connection goes to the substrate, the other to the n-type well. Biasing forwards will narrow the gap to the valence band that electrons must jump and the device conducts. Biassing the other way will block (until you hit the breakdown voltage).

Right, must get back to work now. Enjoy :-)


Rob


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Just stop by Radio Shack and pick up a 1N4004 Diode. They are some of the most common and are very inexpensive, like 6 for a $1.50 The diode goes in series with the power and the end with the painted ring around it goes to the more negative wire and the other end to the more positive wire. In other words the current will flow from the non painted end to the painted end.
I've probably just confused you more but I hope it helps a little.

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