The diode is a commonly used semiconductor device in power electronics as it only allows current to flow in one direction. The forward i-v characteristic can be derived and it is given by an exponential function. Rather than using the exponential equation it is simpler to represent the characteristic with a linear piecewise approximation constructed from a dc voltage source and a series resistor. In this applet it is shown how the linear piecewise function can be used to approximate a diode.

• Change the voltage source amplitude and series resistance in the approximate diode model so it matches the “real” diode characteristic.
• Adjust the operating point of the “real” diode by changing the forward voltage value uF.