Draw the circuit arrangement for studying the V - I characteristics of a p-n junction diode in (i) forward and (ii) reverse bias. Briefly explain how the typical V - I characteristics of a diode are obtained and draw these characteristics.

Explanation

(i) Forward biasing :

V-I characteristics : The VI characteristics are obtained by connecting the battery, to the diode, through a potentiometer (or rheostat). The applied voltage to the diode is changed. The values of current, for different values of voltage, are noted and a graph between V and I is plotted. The V-I characteristics, of a diode, have the form shown here.