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Things you can do with diodes

(lcamtuf.substack.com)
325 points zdw | 2 comments | | HN request time: 0s | source
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dietrichepp ◴[] No.45806185[source]
Conspicuously absent are some of the analog circuit applications. Here are three of my favorites:

1. Frequency mixer, used for heterodyning, important in radio, so I hear. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frequency_mixer

2. Log converter, where the output voltage is proportional to the logarithm of the input voltage. https://electronics.stackexchange.com/questions/374440/log-c...

3. Diode ring, which provides variable gain, used in analog compressors like the Neve 33609 (I have a clone of the 33609, and I’m very fond of it)

Think about this: if you have a nonlinear device like a diode, then the dynamic resistance changes depending on the operating point. If you modulate the operating point, you’re modulating the dynamic resistance.

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1. joconne ◴[] No.45808005[source]
Diodes are also used as a radiation detector in radiotherapy: https://oncologymedicalphysics.com/diode-detectors/
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2. 4gotunameagain ◴[] No.45808206[source]
And particle accelerators ! They mostly detect gamma radiation, and they are used in conjunction with other detectors (ram chips, mosfets)