How can the dynamic resistance of a diode be determined?

A dynamic diode resistance is defined in terms of the voltage-current ratio, i.e., the ratio of a small change in voltage to a small change in current, where a changing voltage equals a changing current. It is correlated with the temperature by einstein’s thermal voltage Vt=kT/q.

Does dynamic resistance change?

At a particular operating point, the dynamic resistance of a P-N junction diode refers to the small change in forward voltage to the small change in forward current.

What is the use of dynamic resistance?

As the ratio of a differential change in voltage to a differential change in current, dynamic resistance can be used to quantify the resistance of non-ohmic materials.

What is the difference between static and dynamic resistance?

A static resistance is a constant ratio of voltage to current and is based on Ohm’s Law. Dynamic resistance is used in PN junctions in electronics.

What happens when a diode is connected to AC supply?

Due to the periodic reversal of the direction of AC, diodes conduct only half of the time and insulate the other half of the time. This is why rectification of AC into DC is achieved using diodes.

Dynamic Resistance

By BYJU'S Exam Prep

Updated on: September 25th, 2023

Dynamic Resistance is the resistance a device offers when connected to an AC supply. Resistance of any device or material is its property to resist the flow of charges through it. Since the voltage keeps varying in an AC supply, the resistance is given by the ratio of a small change in voltage to a small change in the current value through it.
In this article, we will discuss the dynamic resistance of a diode device, a two-terminal semiconductor device. We will also talk about the characteristics of diodes and define dynamic resistance in them for different biasing conditions.

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Table of content

1. Define Dynamic Resistance
2. Resistance in a Diode
3. Dynamic Resistance in Forward Bias
4. Dynamic Resistance in Reverse Bias

Define Dynamic Resistance

Dynamic resistance is defined as the resistance offered by the diode semiconductor device when an AC supply biases it. A basic connection with an AC supply to the diode is shown in the below figure.

It is given as the voltage change ratio to change in current across the diode. It is mathematically given as.

R_AC = ΔV / ΔI

Where ΔV is the small change in voltage and ΔI is the change in current.

Resistance in a Diode

Diode resistance can be defined as the effective opposition provided by the diode when forward current flows through it. Therefore, diode resistance can be defined as the effective resistance a diode offers when biased with a supply. A diode when forward biased can have two types of resistance i.e., Static resitance and dynamic resistance.

Dynamic Resistance PDF

A diode’s forward and reverse resistances can be determined by its forward and reverse bias characteristics. No device, however, can be considered ideal. Therefore, practically speaking, every diode will offer a small resistance when forward biased and a significant resistance in reverse bias.

diode dynamic resistance

The above flow chart shows the different resistances an idea diode offers.

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Dynamic Resistance in Forward Bias

Dynamic resistance can be calculated from the p-n junction diode’s V-I curve. It is defined as the ratio of a change in voltage to a change in current. The V-I curve of the p-n junction diode is given below.

forward VI charcateristics of diode dynamic resistance

Dynamic Resistance in Forward Bias Formula

Mathematically the dynamic forward resistance is given as-

R_df=(ΔV/ΔI) = ηV_T/ I

Where V_T is the thermal voltage and is given by Einstein’s equation equal to kT/q, where k is Boltzmann’s constant (k=8.85 x 10-12 F/m)

Dynamic Resistance in Reverse Bias

A reverse bias increases p-n diode depletion layer width, which offers higher resistance to the flow of charge carriers. The reverse resistance of p-n diodes is in the Mega Ohm range. The reverse resistance is very large compared to the forward resistance of the diode.

Dynamic Resistance in Reverse Bias Formula

Mathematically the reverse dynamic resistance is given as-

R_dr = (ΔV_r/ ΔI_r)

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