Science glossary film: Diode

An electronic component that allows current to flow in only one direction. They are used in applications such as rectifying alternating current to direct current, or creating an audio signal from a high frequency AM radio signal. These days they are almost always semiconductor devices, smaller and cheaper than the original valve designs that are now used only in some high-current applications.

They are used in applications such as rectifying alternating current to direct current, or creating an audio signal from a high frequency AM radio signal. These days they are almost always semiconductor devices, smaller and cheaper than the original valve designs that are now used only in some high-current applications.