You want the current rating of the diode to be utilized. For rectifier applications the current goes from zero to a specified current. The diode is rated for average current with the peak current being very high. The way I find average current is to take the sine wave and break it into 16 equal parts. The discrete voltages are then applied to the impedance to find the discrete currents. Add the currents up and divide by 16 to give you the average current. Remember that the current of a capacitor is still the voltage divided by the impedance.
Maybe I should ask "What's a diode used for?"! Is it for limitting current only? I know it only allows current to flow trhough in one direction, right? What about Zener diode? I got a diode here labelled as 79 C6 V2, wat is it for? In fact, I'm studying on some circuits so I'm trying to understand why they used all these diodes for!
Diodes can be of different types. It could be rectifier, zenner, varicap, diac, PIN, LED, etc. Each diode type has it's own function in circuit and symbol in schematics. Get some knowledge about diode types and their symbols and the things when analyzing circuits will be easier.
Using Si (silicion ) diode , u can turn it on by 0.7 volts threshold voltage.....
If u require less on voltage for particular application use Ge(Germanimu) diode....It's on voltage is 0.3 volts.....but Ge diodes have less power handling capability than silicon diodes.............
Zener diodes employ the zener characteristic regiion for use in particular applications.....In zener diodes the direction of conduction is opposite to that of the normal diodes .........
I know this is an old thread, but it came up today when searching for help about Diodes. I thought it could be helpful correct the dead link above. The information is now located at-