Draw a circuit for a p-n junction diode in forward bias. Sketch the voltage versus current graph for the same.
Solution
Forward-bias circuit: connect the p-side to the positive terminal and the n-side to the negative terminal of a battery, with a series rheostat and milliammeter and a voltmeter across the diode. As the forward voltage is raised, the current stays small until the knee voltage (~0.7 V for Si), then increases sharply and almost linearly. Knee at ∼0.7V, steep forward current beyond it.