PINs

A PIN diode is similar to a P-N junction diode which is formed by joining a p-type (anode) and n-type (cathode) . A PIN diode has an intrinsic semiconductor region which is in between the p-type (anode) and n-type (cathode). This added region speeds up the transport of charge carriers between the p-type and n-type. This is why PIN diodes are used in higher frequency applications. PIN diodes are used in applications such as high voltage rectifiers, radio frequency switches and photo detectors.