Silli Polytechnic
(Estd. by Govt. of Jharkhand & Run by Techno India under PPP)
Fundamental of Electrical & Electronics Engg. Lab ( BSC202P)
Lab Manual:
IV Characteristics of a P-N Junction Diode
Objective:
To study and plot the current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of a P-N junction diode in forward and reverse bias
conditions.
Apparatus Required:
1) P-N Junction Diode (e.g., 1N4007)
2) DC Regulated Power Supply (0-30 V)
3) Resistor (1 )
4) Ammeter (0-100 mA)
5) Voltmeter (0-20 V)
6) Connecting Wires - As required
Theory:
A p-n junction diode conducts only in one direction. The V-I characteristics of the diode are curve between
voltage across the diode and current through the diode. When external voltage is zero, circuit is open and the
potential barrier does not allow the current to flow. Therefore, the circuit current is zero. When P-type (Anode
is connected to +ve terminal and n- type (cathode) is connected to –ve terminal of the supply voltage, is known
as forward bias. The potential barrier is reduced when diode is in the forward biased condition. At some
forward voltage, the potential barrier altogether eliminated and current starts flowing through the diode and
also in the circuit. The diode is said to be in ON state. The current increases with increasing forward voltage.
When N-type (cathode) is connected to +ve terminal and P-type (Anode) is connected to –ve terminal of the
supply voltage is known as reverse bias and the potential barrier across the junction increases. Therefore, the
junction resistance becomes very high and a very small current (reverse saturation current) flows in the circuit.
The diode is said to be in OFF state. The reverse bias current due to minority charge carriers.
Circuit Diagrams:
(A) Forward Bias: P-side to positive supply via resistor; N-side to negative.
Silli Polytechnic
(Estd. by Govt. of Jharkhand & Run by Techno India under PPP)
Fundamental of Electrical & Electronics Engg. Lab ( BSC202P)
(B) Reverse Bias: P-side to negative supply; N-side to positive supply.
Procedure:
Forward Bias:
i) Connect the circuit as per forward bias diagram.
ii) Vary supply voltage in steps (0 V to 1 V in 0.1 V increments, then up to 1.5 V in 0.2 V steps).
iii) Note diode current for each voltage.
Reverse Bias:
i) Connect circuit as per reverse bias diagram.
ii) Vary reverse voltage from 0 V to 10 V in steps.
iii) Note reverse current for each voltage (should be very small).
Observation Table:
a. Forward Biasing
Forward Voltage ( ) in Forward current (
1
2
3
….
b. Reverse Biasing
c.
Reverse Voltage ( ) in
Reverse current (
1
2
3
….
Silli Polytechnic
(Estd. by Govt. of Jharkhand & Run by Techno India under PPP)
Fundamental of Electrical & Electronics Engg. Lab ( BSC202P)
Graph:
Plot Voltage (X-axis) vs Current (Y-axis) for both forward and reverse bias on the same graph. Mark the cut-in
voltage on the forward curve.
Result:
I-V characteristics plotted successfully. Cut-in voltage ~0.7 V. Reverse bias shows negligible current,
confirming rectification.
Precautions:
a. Connect diode with correct polarity.
b. Increase voltage slowly.
c. Use series resistor to limit current.
d. Take multiple readings for accuracy.
