Difference Between LED & Diode

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.

Table of Contents

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.