Do you need to put a resistor before the diode?
2006-08-11 13:44:55 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
Sorry, the diode is rated at 10mA NOT 10 amps.
2006-08-11 13:45:28 · update #1
Steve is correct that more info is really needed.
But... Most of the time a series resistor or other current regulation device IS needed so that you do not burn up the diode (an LED perhaps?).
2006-08-11 16:44:23 · answer #1 · answered by Tom H 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just to make the difference between current and voltage apparent, current depends only on what the component itself needs. If you have a power supply capable of producing up to 20 amps, and your component only needs 2mA, then it will only draw 2mA unless it is a flawed component or there is a short somewhere.
Voltage is the parameter you need to watch. If a supply can produce 10 volts, and you only need 2, then you will probably fry the component. This is where you would need a resistor, so the resistor could draw 8 volts and the remaining 2 would be used by the component.
Of course circuits can get much more difficult, but this basic idea will keep you out of trouble.
2006-08-11 21:21:58 · answer #2 · answered by RocketScientist 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The load may require only 2 mA, but will it draw 2mA? If it only draws 2mA with no diode, you can put the diode in with no problem. Please note that there will be a small voltage drop across the diode (about 0.7 Volts for a silicon diode)
2006-08-11 21:12:24 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If the load requires 2ma no resistor is required.
2006-08-11 20:48:51 · answer #4 · answered by Kevin H 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Without a diagram of the circuit or a MUCH more detailed description, no one can rationally answer this ?
2006-08-11 20:55:23 · answer #5 · answered by Steve 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋