A diode is one of the simplest and most important electronic components. Its basic componentsparts are:br Semiconductor Materialbr Usually Silicon (Si) or Germanium (Ge).br It is made by joining P-type and N-type semiconductors.br br P-N Junctionbr The core part of the diode where P-type and N-type materials meet.br This junction controls the flow of current (allows in one direction, blocks in the other).br br Anode (Positive Terminal)br br The side connected to the P-type material.br br Marked usually without a band.