Hello, friends, I hope you all are doing great. In today’s tutorial, we will discuss the Difference Between LED & Diode. The basic difference LED and diode is that when current flows through the LED it releases light while the diode converts ac current into dc and this process is called rectification. The circuit used in the diode for ac to dc conversion is called a rectifier. The LED is constructed with Germanium arsenide that has the ability to emit light. But the diode is constructed with the N and P types of materials that use to change the direction of current from variable to single direction.
In today’s post, we will have a detailed look at both LED and diode and compare them to find their differences. So let’s get started with the difference between diode and led.
Difference Between LED & Diode
LED
- LED is a diode that emits light when current flows through it.
- It is constructed with the GaAs and GaP.
- It working operation is based on the conversion of electrical energy into light energy.
- Its reverse breakdown voltage value is less than the diode.
- LED uses less energy than a normal incandescent bulb, with less cost.
- It is employed in different areas, like the aviation industry, lights of vehicles, signal
- It does not need any backlight.
- Its switching speed is fast.
- There is no effect on the LED of DC current.
- Its contrast ratio is less than the LCD.
- its display area is smaller than the LCD.
- It is created with the Gallium arsenide phosphide..
- The on condition voltage range for the light-emitting diode is 1.2 volts to 2.0.
- It is used in seven-segment displays and different lighting systems.
- The IR type of led used in your tv remote control
- The first type of led design has a red color and less intense
- Now LEDs exist in visbile , UV and IR lights
Diode
- It is a semiconductor device that is used for rectification or ac to dc conversion.
- There are different types of diodes like Zener and step recovery.
- there are two types of modes of operation in diode first one is forward biased and the second one is reverse biased
- In reverse biased anode is connected to the negative terminal and the cathode to the positive terminal of the battery.
- The current flow in the diode is due to two types of charge carriers the first one is a hole and the second one is electrons.
- There are two parts of the diode first is positive and the second is negative has electrons as carriers and P has holes
- The material used for the construction of a diode is silicon and germanium.
- Its reverse breakdown voltage value is less large than the LED.
- Its operating voltage value for the case of silicon is 0.7 volts and germanium is 0.3 volts.
- It uses as a rectifier, in clamping circuits, etc.
The Working Principle of Diode
- The p-n junction is the basis for how a diode functions. The electrons flow from N material to P material during the forward biased and they stop the current flow in a reverse-biased state.
- if diode is forward biased it has less resistance and for reversed biased has high resistance
The Working Principle of LED
- The p-n junction serves as the foundation for an LED as well, however, it operates on the electroluminescence principle. A forward-biased LED releases energy in the form of photons when the electrons and holes recombine. it called electroluminescence. The bandgap energy of the semiconductor material used in an LED determines the wavelength of the light it emits.
LED Vs Diode
LED | Diode |
---|---|
It releases the light when current flow through it | It does not emit light when current flows |
Its strucrue is larger and more complicated | Its size is a smaller and simple construction |
It needs a certain voltage to turn on | it permits current to flow in one direction |
It needs less power than the diode | It uses more power than LED |
It releases light in differnt colors | It does not emit light and is colorless |
It used in displays and lighting system | It uses in rectifier circuits and voltage regulation |
it used as an indicator in electronic devices | It used as a switch or protection device |
It has less breakdown voltage | Its breakdown voltage is higher than an LED |
Has a wider viewing angle than a diode | Has a narrow viewing angle |
Has a higher luminous efficiency than a diode | Has a lower luminous efficiency than an LED |
Has a longer lifespan than a diode | Has a shorter lifespan than an LED |
More expensive than a diode | Less expensive than an LED |
Operates at a lower voltage than a diode | Operates at a higher voltage than an LED |
Can be used in dimming applications | Cannot be used in dimming applications |
Has a higher light output than a diode | Has a lower light output than an LED |
it is used in backlighting applications | it is not used in backlighting applications |
It can generate different lighting effects | it produces the lighting effects |
It is difficult to control | It can be easily controlled |
it used for lighting in vehicles | It is not used for lighting in vehicles |
it needs a heat sink for heat dissipation | it needs a heat sink on the bases of applications |
FAQS
Question | Answer |
---|---|
Write the basic difference between an LED and a diode. | A diode is a semiconductor component that allows current to flow in one direction and an LED is a type of diode that emits light when current flow |
Can a diode emit light? | No, a conventional diode does not generate the light like the LED |
Are LEDs and diodes interchangeable? | No, they can’t always be utilized interchangeably in electrical circuits since they have various properties and serve different functions. |
Which is more efficient, an LED or a diode? | Since it transformed energy in the light and less energy in the heat so LED is more efficient than the diode |
Write some applications of LEDs and diodes. | While diodes are utilized for rectification, voltage control, and safety in electrical circuits, LEDs are frequently employed for lighting, displays, and indicators. |
That is all about the difference between diode and LED if you have any queries ask in the comments. Thanks for reading have a good day.