Diodes

A diode only allows current to flow in one direction. Any current trying to flow in the opposite direction is blocked.

Negative voltage across a diode means no current can flow. (Reverse Biased)

Positive voltage across a diode means current can flow. (Forward Biased)

Diode Rectifer: let through the positive voltages from an ac source while blocking or inverting the negative voltages.

Can use a rectifier circuit to build a voltage multiplier…

Flyback diode in parallel with an inductor to eliminate “inductive kick”.