Semiconductor Devices: Other Diodes

[@simonyoungglostog]

Great explanation of Zeners and the current splitting characteristics with the load resistor;KCL. That makes a lot of sense, thank you.

[@lesleypaulvj_TVPM]

Can the Schottkey diode be used for audio detection in radio as an envelope Detector. The reason why I ask this is because it has very low forward resistance, which increases the gain of the conversion and a sensitive detector.

[@ElectronicswithProfessorFiore]

I've never tried it but I don't see why you couldn't. There would likely be some changes compared to a design using more conventional diodes. Given the speed, it might be useful for higher band applications.

[@lesleypaulvj_TVPM]

@@ElectronicswithProfessorFiore Ok, thanks 👍

[@simonyoungglostog]

I'm going around again. My memory is improving and I hope to retain the information this time. In the Zener || resistor circuit... The current flowing through the Zener is effectively just returning to the Voltage source, potentially draining a cell? If we say 5mA at 3.3V, that makes approx 17mW of power?

[@ElectronicswithProfessorFiore]

Yep. Like most of these simple introductory circuits, this one doesn't do much of anything useful, with the sole (and very important) exception of illustrating what's going on.