What is the typical forward voltage drop for germanium diodes?

The typical forward voltage drop for germanium diodes is around 0.3 V. This characteristic is attributed to the material properties of germanium, which has a lower bandgap than silicon, allowing it to conduct with less forward voltage. When a forward voltage is applied, the diode begins to conduct once this threshold is reached, and for germanium diodes, that threshold is approximately 0.3 V.

This property distinguishes germanium diodes from silicon diodes, which generally exhibit a forward voltage drop of about 0.7 V. Understanding this difference is essential for applications that require precise control of voltage in circuits, as utilizing the right type of diode can affect the performance of the overall electronic system.