Unidirectional and Bidirectional Elements Examples, Use

Hey, in this article we are going to learn about Unidirectional and Bidirectional elements. Electrical and electronic components are divided into so many types depending on different factors. According to the direction of the flow of current, electrical elements are divided into two types - 1. Unidirectional Elements and 2. Bidirectional Elements. Here, also we will know the properties, examples, and applications of those elements.

What is Unidirectional Element?

In simple words, Unidirectional Elements are those which allow the flow of current through them in one direction only. It will oppose the flow of current in the opposite direction by creating a high resistance. We can say, unidirectional elements are those that act as a conductor in one direction and act as an insulator in the opposite direction. Remember that the nature of the Unidirectional Element, unidirectional component, and unidirectional device is the same.

Unidirectional Element Examples

PN Junction Diode is the best example of Unidirectional Element. PN Junction Diode allows the flow of current in one direction only. Other common examples of Unidirectional Elements are LED(Light Emitting Diode), Solar Cells, Schottky Diode, Gunn Diode, Vacuum Tubes, etc.

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Properties of Unidirectional Element

1. It only allows the flow of current in one direction only.

2. It offers very low resistance to the flow of current in one direction and offers very high resistance to the flow of current in the opposite direction.

3. Most of the unidirectional elements are current-controlled rather than voltage-controlled.

4. Most of the unidirectional elements are active in nature means they need an external supply for their operation.

Application and Uses of Unidirectional Elements

1. Unidirectional elements are mostly used in power electronic circuits such as rectifier circuits, inverter circuits, chopper circuits, etc.
2. Unidirectional elements like Schottky diodes and tunnel diodes are used in high-frequency and microwave circuits for detecting and rectifying radio frequency (RF) and microwave signals.
3. Unidirectional elements such as Gunn diodes and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are used in communication systems for generating and transmitting microwave signals and optical signals, respectively.

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What is Bidirectional Element?

In simple words, Bidirectional elements are those which allow the flow of current through them in both directions. They do not oppose the current when the direction of flow of current changed or we can say they offer the same resistance for the current flow in both directions. Bidirectional elements act as a conductor for current flow in both directions. Remember that, the nature of the bidirectional element, bidirectional component, and bidirectional device are the same. 

Bidirectional Element Examples

A resistor is the best example of Bidirectional Element. A resistor allows the flow of current through it in both directions. TRIAC is an example of an active bidirectional device. Other common examples of bidirectional elements are Inductors, Capacitors, Bipolar Junction Transistors (BJT), Relays, etc.

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Properties of Bidirectional Element

1. Bidirectional element allows the flow of current through it in both directions.

2. It offers the same resistance value to the flow of current in both directions.

3. Most of the bidirectional devices are passive in nature.

Application and Uses of Bidirectional Element

Bidirectional elements such as resistors, inductors, capacitors are the most usable component of electrical or electronic circuits. They are used for current limiting, energy conversion, or energy-storing purposes.

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Difference between Unidirectional and Bidirectional Element

1. The main difference between unidirectional and bidirectional elements is, the unidirectional element allows the flow of current in one direction whereas the bidirectional element allows the flow of current in both directions.

2. Most of the unidirectional elements are active in nature or they required an external power supply for their operations whereas most of the bidirectional elements are passive in nature means they do not require any external supply for their operations.

3. Bidirectional elements often provide greater control and regulation capabilities due to their ability to operate in both directions. Unidirectional elements have limited control options as they primarily allow current flow in one direction.

4. Unidirectional elements typically have a defined polarity, such as anode and cathode in diodes, which determines the direction of current flow. Bidirectional elements do not have a strict polarity requirement for current flow.

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