What does a reading of infinity on an ohmmeter across a diode in both directions indicate?

What does a reading of infinity on an ohmmeter across a diode in both directions indicate?

• A. The diode is functioning properly.
• B. The diode is open.
• C. The diode is shorted.
• D. The diode is reverse-biased.

Answer: (B)

A reading of infinity on an ohmmeter across a diode in both directions indicates that the diode is open. In a properly functioning diode, one direction should show a low resistance (forward-biased condition), allowing current to flow, while the opposite direction should show a high resistance, often indicated by infinity, meaning it does not conduct in reverse (reverse-biased condition). When the resistance is infinite in both directions, it means there is a break in the conductive path within the diode itself, which characterizes an open diode condition. This lack of conduction indicates that the diode is not functioning as it should, which reinforces the conclusion that it is open.

A reading of infinity on an ohmmeter across a diode in both directions indicates that the diode is open. In a properly functioning diode, one direction should show a low resistance (forward-biased condition), allowing current to flow, while the opposite direction should show a high resistance, often indicated by infinity, meaning it does not conduct in reverse (reverse-biased condition). When the resistance is infinite in both directions, it means there is a break in the conductive path within the diode itself, which characterizes an open diode condition. This lack of conduction indicates that the diode is not functioning as it should, which reinforces the conclusion that it is open.