Our online PN Junction Diode Current Calculator helps you determine the forward or reverse current through a diode using the ideal diode equation. Simply input the reverse saturation current, diode voltage, ideality factor, and temperature to get instant, accurate results. Perfect for students, hobbyists, and engineers working with semiconductor devices and circuit analysis.
Formula:
The ideal diode equation (also known as the Shockley diode equation) describes the current-voltage characteristic of a diode:
ID = IS (e(VD / (n VT)) - 1)
Where the thermal voltage (VT) is calculated as:
VT = k T / q
- ID = Diode Current (Amperes)
- IS = Reverse Saturation Current (Amperes)
- VD = Diode Voltage (Volts)
- n = Ideality Factor (dimensionless, typically between 1 and 2)
- k = Boltzmann Constant (1.380649 × 10-23 J/K)
- T = Absolute Temperature (Kelvin)
- q = Electron Charge (1.602176634 × 10-19 C)