Overview
A silicon (Si) diode is a semiconductor device that allows current to flow in one direction and blocks it in the opposite direction. The current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of a Si diode are nonlinear.

• Forward Bias: When a positive voltage is applied to the anode, current starts flowing after a threshold voltage (about 0.7V for silicon diodes), and increases exponentially as the voltage rises.

• Reverse Bias: When a negative voltage is applied, the current is negligible until the reverse breakdown voltage is reached, after which it increases sharply.

Significance

• Understanding the rectification process in power supplies.

• Studying the nonlinear behavior of diodes.

• Testing and calibration of diodes in circuits.