What Is a Germanium Diode?
A germanium diode is a semiconductor device fabricated using germanium.
Operating on the PN junction principle, a forward voltage allows current flow, while a reverse voltage inhibits it. This property facilitates rectification, converting alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC), and radio frequency signal detection.
Once prevalent in applications like radio and television receivers, as well as electronic device power circuits, germanium diodes have largely been supplanted by silicon diodes. They remain in use primarily for historical and educational purposes. Key characteristics include low forward voltage drop, rapid switching, and favorable temperature coefficient properties. However, they are costlier, have limited reverse voltage tolerance, and are susceptible to temperature variations.