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diode

vr.tr.diode · thing-q11656

Let an agent explain diodes, relay operation, types, characteristics and applications from electronics sources, describe the named types, and distinguish diodes from transistors, rectifiers as circuits, thyristors and resistors.

Thing Registry Physical world and living systems PHY.OBJ
Bundle → Layer → Finding → QuestionsClassifiersWhat it isWhy it existsDistinguishing featuresWhat robots and AI may and may not doMoral aspectsOwnersLinks to other meta-modelsIdentity and identifiersDirect propertiesRecognitionCapabilities and actionsHazards and failure modesStandards and interfacesContext of useSources

Bundle → Layer → Finding → Questions Filled

4 bundles · 8 layers · 8 findings · 16 questions

Understand What a diode is.

Definition

Definition.

Definition

Definition.

  1. What is a diode, and how does it differ from transistors, rectifiers, thyristors and resistors? definition
  2. Is someone working on mains-powered circuits, in which case they should isolate power and follow electrical safety rules? boundary

Types

Named types.

Types

Types.

  1. What are crystal detectors, vacuum diodes, demodulation diodes, TVS diodes and photodiodes? definition
  2. Which entry fits the specific type? action
Physics Physics.

P-n junction

P-n junction.

P-n junction

P-n junction.

  1. How does a p-n junction allow current in one direction? provenance
  2. Which references are standard? provenance

I-V curve

Characteristics.

I-V curve

I-V curve.

  1. What do forward voltage, reverse leakage and breakdown mean on an I-V curve? measurement
  2. Which sources are cited? provenance
History History.

Vacuum

Fleming valve.

Vacuum

Vacuum.

  1. How did the Fleming valve detect radio signals? provenance
  2. Which entry fits Fleming valve? action

Crystal

Cat s whisker.

Crystal

Crystal.

  1. How did crystal detectors work in early radios? provenance
  2. Is the information accurate? boundary
Context Applications.

Power

Rectification.

Power

Power.

  1. How do diodes convert AC to DC in power supplies? provenance
  2. Which entry fits bridge rectifier? action

Protection

Surge protection.

Protection

Protection.

  1. How do TVS diodes protect electronics from surges and ESD? provenance
  2. Is the information current? boundary

Classifiers Filled

Family
Thing Registry
Category
Physical world and living systems
Entry kind
thing
Plane
PHY
Domain
PHY.OBJ
Other names and narrower kinds
crystal detector, demodulation diode, transient-voltage-suppression diode, vacuum diode, semiconductor diode, photo diode, MPS Diode, 6D22S, 6Ts10P, RA0007A, EA52, Fleming valve

What it is Filled

A two-terminal electronic component that conducts current mainly in one direction, most commonly a semiconductor diode made from a p-n junction or a metal-semiconductor Schottky junction, with earlier forms the registry aliases name such as the vacuum diode, patented by John Ambrose Fleming in 1904, and the crystal detector or cat s whisker used in early radio, and types such as demodulation diodes, photodiodes that convert light into current, transient-voltage-suppression diodes that protect circuits from surges, Zener diodes and light-emitting diodes; diodes are used for rectification, signal detection, voltage regulation and protection. The registry lists diodes as both active and passive components, a classification that varies between sources.

Why it exists Filled

Let an agent explain diodes, relay operation, types, characteristics and applications from electronics sources, describe the named types, and distinguish diodes from transistors, rectifiers as circuits, thyristors and resistors.

Distinguishing features Filled

  • Unidirectional conduction
  • Forward voltage drop
  • Reverse breakdown
  • Many specialised types

What robots and AI may and may not do Filled

Must not

  • Work on circuits with mains or high voltage while they are energised.
  • Fit a diode with polarity or ratings incompatible with the intended circuit function, including intended reverse-biased operation of Zener and protection diodes.
  • Look into high-power laser diodes or remove their safety housing.
  • Dispose of electronic parts with household waste where separate collection is required.

Only with a human decision

  • Modifying protective or safety circuits in equipment others use.

May

  • Identify diodes, read their markings and explain their function.
  • Test or replace diodes in equipment the agent is authorized to service, with power isolated.
  • Check a diode's rated voltage and current against the circuit before fitting it.

Moral aspects Filled

  • Faulty or wrongly fitted diodes can start fires or damage equipment people rely on.
  • Electronic waste harms workers and the environment when handled carelessly.

Who is affected

  • Users of the equipment
  • Technicians
  • Recycling workers

Owners Filled

Steward

The owner of the equipment it is fitted in.

Links to other meta-models Filled

parent

  • Q11653 - registry parent class
  • Q12492106 - registry parent class
  • Q6867168 - registry parent class

related

  • electronic component - in registry terms
  • light-emitting diode
  • rectifier
  • transistor

What else AI and robots need to interact with it Filled

Identity and identifiers required Filled

  • Vercy registry: vr.tr.diode
  • Wikidata: Q11656 (https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q11656)

Direct properties required Filled

  • silicon forward voltage: about 0.6-0.7 V - typical
  • Fleming valve patent: 1904 year
  • Schottky forward voltage: about 0.2-0.4 V - typical

Recognition required Filled

  • Two-terminal one-way conductor
  • Crystal detector, demodulation diode, transient-voltage-suppression diode, vacuum diode, semiconductor diode, photodiode
  • Transistors amplify and switch with three terminals; rectifiers are circuits; thyristors latch; resistors limit current in both directions
  • Small cylindrical or surface-mount components with a band marking the cathode, or glass vacuum tubes historically.

Capabilities and actions required Filled

  • explain operation
  • relay types and characteristics
  • describe named types
  • relay applications

Hazards and failure modes required Filled

  • Reverse polarity damage
  • Overheating and thermal runaway
  • Mains voltage shock in rectifier circuits

Standards and interfaces required Filled

  • IEC 60747 semiconductor devices
  • JEDEC standards
  • RoHS restrictions on hazardous substances

Context of use required Filled

  • Controlling current direction in circuits.
  • rectifier diodes
  • Schottky diodes
  • Zener and TVS diodes
  • photodiodes and LEDs
  • vacuum and crystal diodes

Sources Filled

  1. Wikidata item Q11656: diode - identity and sense of the item
  2. Wikipedia: Diode - general description of the item

Open questions

  • Should the active versus passive classification be documented?
  • Should photodiodes be a separate entry?
  • How should datasheet parameters be linked?

Machine files

Card as JSON Specification Card backlog vercy.card/1

Provenance

thing registry research (pass 2) · unreviewed

Built from: models/things/publications/thing-q11656/spec.json