Diodes are electronic devices with one-sided conductivity. Previously, vacuum and gas discharge diodes were widely used. Now, if we talk about diodes, then, as a rule, they mean semiconductor ones. The one-sided conductivity property of diodes is widely used for current rectification.
Necessary
soldering iron, flux, solder
Instructions
Step 1
There is a general rule - in order to properly solder a diode, you need to take into account its polarity, otherwise it will not work. LEDs usually have a long stem connected to the positive electrode (anode) and a short stem connected to the negative electrode (cathode). For other diodes, the anode is marked with a beveled corner, and the cathode is marked with a "-". However, you cannot rely on this, because not all manufacturers mark semiconductor electrodes in this way. Take an ohmmeter or multimeter in ohmmeter mode, measure the resistance of the diode. In the forward direction, when "+" is applied to the anode and "-" to the cathode, the resistance of the diode is 0, in the opposite direction it is very high.
Step 2
After you have precisely determined the polarity of the diode, you can solder it into the circuit. Take the diode with tweezers. Warm up the soldering iron, dip the tip into the flux and run it along the legs of the diode, then put some solder on the tip and again run it along the legs - tin them. Insert the diode into the prepared place exactly in accordance with the polarity. If you are soldering multiple diodes, place them so that the cathodes are in one row and the anodes are in the other. In order to fix the parts on the board, on the back side, separate the leads from the electrodes in different directions. If the legs are too long, cut them off with wire cutters.
Step 3
Put some solder on the tip of the soldering iron and apply it to the contact point. After the solder begins to melt, run the tip over the soldering area to evenly apply the solder to the surfaces to be soldered.
Step 4
When soldering LEDs, take into account their sensitivity to current load. To limit the current, connect a resistor in series with the LED in the electrical circuit. Calculate the resistance based on the current rating for this LED.
