Basic Electronics for Beginners in 20 Steps

Step 8: Diodes

Diodes are polarized components that only allow electrical current to flow in one direction. This feature makes them useful for preventing current from flowing the wrong way in a circuit.

It’s important to note that energy is required to pass through a diode, causing a voltage drop of about 0.7V, which is crucial when we discuss a special type of diode, the LED.

A ring on one end of the diode indicates the cathode (the ground side), and the other end connects to the anode (the power side).

The diode’s part number is typically printed on it, and you can find its electrical properties in its datasheet.

In circuit diagrams, diodes are shown as a line with a triangle pointing at it. The line represents the cathode (connected to ground), and the triangle points to the anode (connected to power).