Now we’re moving to practical electronics. I’ll explain in two parts:

👉 1. Applications of Diodes
👉 2. Other Terminal Devices

🔋 Applications of Diodes

Diodes are used in many electronic circuits because they allow one-way current flow.

🔹 1. Rectification (AC → DC)

• Diodes convert AC into DC
• Used in power supplies
• Types: Half-wave & Full-wave rectifiers

👉 Example: Mobile charger

🔹 2. Clipping Circuits

• Removes unwanted parts of a signal
• Protects circuits from high voltage

👉 Used in signal processing

🔹 3. Clamping Circuits

• Shifts voltage level of signals
• Maintains waveform shape

👉 Used in TV and communication systems

🔹 4. Voltage Regulation (Zener Diode)

• Maintains constant output voltage
• Protects devices from voltage fluctuations

🔹 5. Light Emission (LED)

• Converts electrical energy to light
• Used in displays and indicators

🔹 6. Detection (Demodulation)

• Extracts information from signals
• Used in radio receivers

⚙️ Other Terminal Devices

(Devices with more than two terminals used for switching/amplification)

🔸 Transistor (BJT)

👉 What is a Transistor?

A transistor is a three-terminal semiconductor device.

Terminals:

• Emitter
• Base
• Collector

Functions:

• Amplification
• Switching

Types:

• NPN
• PNP

👉 Used in amplifiers, computers, radios.

🔸 Field Effect Transistor (FET)

👉 What is FET?

A voltage-controlled device with three terminals:

• Gate
• Source
• Drain

Features:

• High input impedance
• Low power consumption

👉 Used in ICs and digital circuits.

🔸 Thyristor (SCR)

👉 What is SCR?

A four-layer semiconductor device used for power control.

Terminals:

• Anode
• Cathode
• Gate

Applications:

• Motor speed control
• Power regulation
• Light dimmers

🧠 Quick Exam Summary

👉 Diodes are used for rectification, clipping, clamping, and regulation.
👉 Transistors amplify and switch signals.
👉 FETs are voltage-controlled devices.
👉 SCRs control high power circuits.