Electronics and Communication Engineering - Microwave Communication - Discussion

A PIN diode has an intrinsic (i) layer between p and n layers. When reverse bias is applied depletion layers are formed at p-i and i-n junctions.

The effective/width of depletion layer increases by the width of i layer. It can be used as a voltage controlled attenuator.

At high frequencies the rectification effect ceases and impedance of diode is effectively that of i layer.

This impedance varies with the applied bias. It is used in high frequency switching circuits, limiters, modulators etc.