Question

Can we use a transistor as a diode?

Answer 1

Hint: The transistor works like an amplifier. When a small input current is fed into it a large output current is produced at the same time. It can also act as a switch alternatively. Diode also acts as a one way switch and hence it allows the flow of current in one direction only.

Complete answer:
A transistor is basically used for amplifying the input electrical signal. A transistor comprises three terminals which are: collector, base and emitter. Emitter is moderate in size and it is heavily doped since all charge carriers are generated here in emitter. Base terminal is the centre terminal and it is thin in shape and lightly doped. The collector is larger in size and it is moderately doped.

The transistor consists of two PN diodes which are connected back to back. Therefore a bipolar junction transistor commonly known as BJT is essentially a combination of two diodes. But bipolar transistors are not designed to be used as diodes, they are designed to be used as amplifiers, oscillators and switches. When we use them as a diode then they might cause problems in terms of current, voltage and other ratings also.

But transistors are not designed to be used as normal diodes since the doping and size of the p-region and n-region is different in both transistors and diodes.

Note: It is not recommended to use a transistor as a diode but if we do not have a diode we can use a transistor in such a case. But the current ratings and voltage ratings might be different from the original diode. In such cases we can connect diodes back to back.Transistors are used as amplifiers, as an oscillator and as a switch, not as diodes.