Rectifier Diode
A rectifier diode is used to change alternating current into direct current. There are many differnent kinds of rectifier diodes which all work the same way it will let voltage flow freely one way but only a small or will not flow the other way. This is how you would find the anode and cathode on it, anode being more positive than the cathode. Most rectifier diodes have a voltage drop of about .7V across it anything more or less than that it is broken. The sign when writing a rectifier diode looks like this....
Zener Diode
A Zener Diode blocks a certain amount of voltage to go through a parallel circuit and lets the rest flow through that junction, for example a 5V1 zener diode put in a 12v circuit would put 5.1 volts through the parallel circuit and let 6.9v flow through it. This all depends on what that diodes specs are on the data sheet. These diodes are similar to rectifier diodes as it the same anode and cathode set up. These diodes can be commonly used in a voltage regulator, also if you reverse the polarity of the zener diode it forces the voltage through the parallel circuit and doesnt function. The symbol used for the zener diode is..
L.E.D (Light Emitting Diode)
L.E.Ds are the most different looking of the diodes it lights up when put in a circuit. A L.E.D will usually have a 1.8v to 2.2v drop across them when you test in diode test mode on your multimeter, it also can be found on the data sheet. A L.E.D is the easiest to tell which probes are the anode and which is the cathode as the anode is longer and also flat. When the L.E.D is put in reverse bias it will not run as it becomes a insulator. The sign for L.E.D is...
click on blank spot under rectifier diode dont noe why it wont show pic
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