A diode is a two-terminal semiconductor device which allows electric current to flow in only one direction, and blocks the current flow in the reverse direction. Diode is normally made up of semiconductor materials like silicon or germanium. Based on construction and operation, there are several types of semiconductor diodes, but the most common type of semiconductor diode is the pn-junction diode. A pn-junction diode is formed by fusing a p-type semiconductor with an n-type semiconductor, where p-type semiconductor acts as the anode terminal and the n-type semiconductor acts as the cathode of the diode. When a forward voltage ... Read More

An electric conductor is defined as a material that allows the flow of electric current or electric charges across it. In this article, we will discuss the differences between two important types of electric conductors: semiconductors and superconductors. What is a Semiconductor? Semiconductors are defined as a category of electric conductors whose conductivity ranges between that of insulators and conductors. Semiconductors are formed by mixing or doping impurity atoms with pure semiconductor elements. This addition of impurities enhances the conducting capabilities of the semiconductor material. Based on the type of element being doped, semiconductors are categorized into the following two ... Read More