Diode is a semiconductor device with unidirectional conductivity, which can be used for rectification, amplification, and cutting in electronic circuits. The way diodes are connected is very important. Correct connection can ensure the normal operation of the circuit, while incorrect connection can lead to circuit damage or malfunction. So, which side of the diode is the positive electrode? How should the positive and negative electrodes be connected?

First, you need to understand the structure of the diode. The diode consists of a P-type semiconductor and an N-type semiconductor, wherein the doping concentration of the P-type semiconductor is higher than that of the N-type semiconductor, and the two are connected through a P-N junction. P-N junction has a unidirectional conductivity property, that is, under forward voltage, current can flow through P-N junction, while under reverse voltage, current cannot flow through P-N junction.

Based on this structural characteristic, the positive and negative electrodes of the diode can be determined. Generally, the positive electrode mark of a diode is represented by a triangle with an arrow pointing towards the N-type semiconductor of the diode. Therefore, the end pointed by the arrow is the negative electrode of the diode, and the other end is the positive electrode.

In practical applications, the diode connection method is also very simple. When forward rectification is required, the positive electrode of the diode is connected to the positive power supply and the negative electrode is connected to the load. At this time, the current can smoothly pass through the P-N junction to achieve forward conduction. Under reverse voltage, the current cannot pass through the P-N junction, and the diode is in the off state.

When reverse cutoff is required, the negative electrode of the diode is connected to the positive power supply and the positive electrode is connected to the load. At this time, the current cannot pass through the P-N junction to achieve reverse cutoff. Under forward voltage, although current can flow through the P-N junction, due to the reverse characteristics of the diode, current still cannot pass through, so the diode is in a disconnected state.

It is important to note that when actually connecting diodes, it is necessary to ensure that the connection is secure and reliable as much as possible to avoid problems such as poor or loose contact. At the same time, when using diodes, attention should also be paid to their voltage and current limits to avoid exceeding their rated values causing device damage or unstable operation.

To sum up, correctly connecting the positive and negative electrodes of the diode can ensure the normal operation of the circuit. In practical applications, it is necessary to select appropriate connection methods based on specific application scenarios to fully utilize the unidirectional conductivity characteristics of diodes.