What is a germanium diode, its basic structure, performance parameters, working principle, application examples, differences and development history between germanium and silicon diodes 2

3. Maximum Forward Current: Germanium diodes should have a certain carrying capacity under forward current, and their maximum forward current is generally between 100mA-500mA.diode

4. Reverse Recovery Time: During the process of a germanium diode transitioning from conduction to cutoff, its PN junction requires a certain amount of time to recover, which is called the reverse recovery time.

3、 Working principle:

The working principle of germanium diodes is similar to that of other diodes. When a forward voltage is applied to the PN junction of a germanium diode, due to the special structure of the PN junction, electrons diffuse from the N-type region to the P-type region, while holes diffuse from the P-type region to the N-type region. This diffusion phenomenon leads to the formation of a depletion layer near the PN junction, where there are almost no freely moving charge carriers. When the forward voltage reaches a certain value, the depletion layer disappears and current begins to flow through the diode, which conducts. When a reverse voltage is applied to the PN junction of a germanium diode, the depletion layer widens, making it almost impossible for current to pass through and the diode turns off.diode

4、 Application example:

Germanium diodes were widely used in electronic devices in the early days due to their low bandgap and high carrier mobility. Here are several application examples of germanium diodes:diode