Filename:

importance of Diode

A diode can protect circuitry from improperly inserted batteries. The polarity will be incorrect, but it won't damage the circuitry past the diode, which allows only a faint current through. Diodes also play a role in surge protectors. So-called "avalanche" diodes lead to a ground wire, but they don't let regular current through because of their unidirectional orientation. At a high-enough voltage, a diode will let voltage through. When voltage surges far above operational levels, the avalanche diode opens up and lets the extra voltage out through the ground wire.