Question

The cat whisker wire present in the contact diode is used for_________

(a) for heat dissipation

(b) for charge transfer between sections

(c) maintaining the pressure between sections

(d) preventing current flow

I had been asked this question during a job interview.

My doubt is from The Point Contact Diode in division Semiconductor-Diode Characteristics of Electronic Devices & Circuits

Answer 1

The correct option is (c) maintaining the pressure between sections

For explanation: The operation of a contact diode depends on the pressure of contact between semiconductor crystal and point. The cat whisker wire presses against the crystal to form a section and the section allows the current flow. This is similar to the behaviour of PN diode.