Determination of Diode Characteristics by Using Arduino

In a classical electronic laboratory, there is an experiment where a diode is connected in a series with a resistor and a variable DC voltage source in order to draw the characteristic I-V curve of the diode. Input voltage is gradually increased starting from 0 V, and the potential difference between the diode’s terminals is read by using a voltmeter, and the current flowing through the diode is read by using an ammeter. When the forward voltage exceeds the PN junction’s internal barrier voltage (0.5-0.7 for a Si diode and 0.2-0.3V for a Ge diode), the current begins to pass through. After the internal barrier voltage of the diode, a small increase in the potential difference causes a large increase in the current. In this study, we will focus on a low-cost and easy method of drawing the diode I-V characteristic curve by using the Arduino Uno Board.