Silicon Diodes

Silicon diodes are electronic components made from silicon semiconductor material with a P-N junction, designed to conduct electric current primarily in one direction (forward bias) while blocking it in the opposite direction (reverse bias). In rectifier stacks/bridges, they convert alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) by allowing current flow during specific half-cycles of the AC waveform.

Operates based on the P-N junction principle: under forward bias (positive voltage on P-side relative to N-side), the depletion region narrows, allowing current flow; under reverse bias, the depletion region widens, blocking current flow except for minimal leakage.