PASCO EM-8656 AC_DC ELECTRONICS LABORATORY - Manual (Page 71)

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012-05892A AC/DC Electronics Laboratory
®
Experiment 16: Diode Lab – Part 2
EQUIPMENT NEEDED:
– Computer and Science Workshop™ Interface
– Power Amplifier (CI-6552A)
– (2) Voltage Sensor (CI-6503)
– AC/DC Electronics Lab Board (EM-8656)
– (2) Banana plug patch cords (such as SE-9750)
Purpose
In this experiment, diodes are used to rectify an AC signal, and to build part of the basic circuitry
of a power supply.
Theory
A diode (or p-n junction rectifier) is an electronic device which only allows current to flow in
one direction through it once a certain forward voltage is established across it. If the voltage is
too low, no current flows through the diode. If the voltage is reversed, no current flows through
the diode (except for a very small reverse current).
A diode can be used to provide DC current from an AC source. In other words, the diode
rectifies the AC current.
When the rectified current is smoothed by using electronic filters, the diodes make up part of a
power supply.
Overview
There are several units to the Diode Lab. You completed the first two units in Part 1 (the previ-
ous experiment). You will complete Unit Three and Unit Four in Part 2 (this experiment).
Unit Activity
Three rectify a sine wave
Four basic power supply
In the third unit you will rectify a sine wave generated by the Power Amplifier. In the last unit
you will setup the basic circuitry for a power supply.
PROCEDURE: Unit Three – Rectifying a Sine Wave
PART I: Computer Setup
➀ Connect the Science Workshop interface to the computer, turn on the interface, and turn on the
computer.
➁ Connect one Voltage Sensor to Analog Channel A. Connect the second Voltage Sensor to
Analog Channel B.