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18 May 2018

Difference between diode and LED

The major difference between these two diodes is that the diode allows the current to flow only in one direction and opposes the flow in the opposite direction while LED short form emits the light. So here this article gives information about the difference between a diode and LED to know more details about it.


The LED is one type of diode which is made of germanium arsenide while in the diode is a semiconductor device is used in the electrical circuit for the affecting the electric current. This page gives the information about LED vs diode to better understand this topic.
  • A diode is a semiconductor diode which conducts only in one direction, LED is one type of diode which when placed in an electric field emits the light.
  • Diode converts energy into heat whereas LED converts energy into light.
  • A diode has a high reverse breakdown voltage value, LED has a low reverse breakdown voltage value
  • The LED is made of the gallium arsenide and gallium phosphide while the diode is made of semiconductor material and the electrons of this material give their energy in the form of heat
  • A diode is made from silicon and germanium material while LED is used for GaAs and GaP martial used
  • LED display the light while diode rectifies the alternating current
  • Diode uses a rectifier, voltage multipliers, clipping and clamping  circuit etc, LED uses indicator in seven segment display, use as a light source, headlamps, camera flashes, medical device, traffic signal etc
  • LED converts the voltage into light while the diode converts the alternating current into the direct current
  • LED is the on state voltage is approximately lies between 1.2 to 2.0 V while the diode is the on state voltage is 0.7 V in case of silicon and 0.3 V in case of germanium