1953: diode plug-in unit and the IBM 650
Functionality
Semiconductor diode in the reverse direction
If the voltage is applied in the way that the negative pole is connected to the „positively charged“ semiconductor material and the positive pole to the „negatively charged“ semiconductor material, so the atoms move by means of attraction to the diverse charged poles and nurture the junction between the materials. Conclusion: There is no current flowing.
dt.: Anschluss = connector
dt.: kein Elektronenfluss = no electron flow
Semiconductor diode in conductiong direction
If the poles are polarized in the other way, the atoms are pushed to the barrier layer by repulsion – there is an exchange of elections. Conclusion: The current flows.
dt.: Anschluss = connector
dt.: Elektronenfluss = electron flow
Advantages of diode
- Halved space and energy consumption
- Produced waste heat greatly reduced
