How to Wire in a Diode

Diodes are active electronic components, constructed from semiconductor material (such as germanium or silicon), and treated with chemical impurities such as boron and arsenic. By introducing these impurities (also called dopants) during the manufacturing process, diodes are given the capability of restricting electrical current flow to one direction only.

It is because of this limitation that diodes must be installed properly; otherwise, the electronic circuit will not work properly, if at all.

Things You'll Need

• 3V DC power supply
• One 1N4001 diode
• One 10 kΩ resistor
• Soldering iron and solder
• Electrical pliers
• Electrical wire
• Voltmeter

Instructions

1. Cut a length of electrical wire, and strip each end of 1/2 inch of insulation. Attach one end of this wire to the positive terminal on the power supply. Attach the other end of this wire to one of the leads on the resistor, and solder the connection.

2. Cut a second length of electrical wire, and strip each end of 1/2 inch of insulation. Attach the cathode lead (the one nearest the horizontal line on the diode) to the wire, and solder the connection. Attach the free (anode) diode lead to the free lead on the resistor, and solder that connection. Connect the free end of the second wire to the negative power supply terminal.

3. Turn on the voltmeter and attach the positive (red) lead to the anode/resistor joint. Attach the negative (black) lead to the negative terminal on the power supply. Turn on the power supply. The voltmeter should read approximately 0.7 Volts.

References

• University of Oklahoma
• The Electronics Club
• "Electronic Devices;" Thomas Floyd; 1996