Diodes: associated circuits

Abstract

Diodes are commonly used in many applications as indicated in Chapters 9, 10 and 11: power generation, reception and control. It must be noted that in each area, the tendency is to replace the diode by a 3-port component like a FET, whenever feasible. There are three main reasons for this. The first is that a 3-port gives a larger flexibility (a 3-port device can be made equivalent to various 2-port characteristics which are chosen by introducing appropriate associated impedances); also, this flexibility can be well exploited due to a better modelling of the non-linear behaviour. The second reason is that the FET is the basic component of MMIC circuits, better masted in this technology than diodes, particularly for power applications. Finally, the bias and control circuits can be simplified and less power consuming.